ABSTRACT
This work, while exploring the relationship between the US and the Malaysian economy between 1870 and 1957 addresses two main issues. The first considers the reasons behind the generally low levels of trade and US FDI in Malaya during the period, asking whether the colonial administration restricted or stimulated, and British business competed with or complemented, the development of US trade and FDI in the country. The second core issue in this book is an examination of the impact of US FDI on the Malayan economy supported by three case studies of US MNEs in the tin, rubber and automobile industries. This analysis provides insights on colonial trade and investment policies and US economic involvement in colonial Malaya.
