Malaysia
Compared to its neighbours in Southeast Asia, Malaysia was late to get on the FTA train. But now it does not want to be left out of the major deals, it seems.
Malaysia signed its first FTAs with Japan in 2005. In 2007, it signed with Pakistan. It also has FTAs with Chile (2010) , India (2011) and New Zealand (2009), It has been in FTA talks with the US, but these have effectively been shelves since 2009. It is in negotiations with Australia, and may commence negotiations with the GCC and EFTA.
As member of ASEAN, it is also party to the agreements with China, India, Korea and Japan, and the negotiations with Australia/New Zealand and the EU.
last update: May 2012
While the Malaysia-European Union (EU) trade and investment flows have been stable thus far, Malaysia’s trade advantages could decrease in the future, as negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA) with the bloc remain suspended.
Malaysia welcomes the review of the Malaysia-Australia Free Trade Agreement (MAFTA) but any effort to do so will only be considered after the negotiations on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) have been concluded.
Always known as a fiercely non-aligned leader, Malaysia’s Prime Minister has changed his tune on the Belt and Road.
Malaysian minister warned that Malaysia would adopt retaliatory measures to penalise European products if the ban goes ahead as planned. Furthermore, the ASEAN will not sign a partnership agreement with the EU unless palm oil is allowed again.
Malaysia has signed the Asean Trade in Services Agreement (ATISA) and the Fourth Protocol to Amend the Asean Comprehensive Investment Agreement (ACIA).
Bilateral trade between Turkey and Malaysia can be increased through expanding the scope of the FTA which is currently under the review of the two governments.
Malaysia may continue to suspend FTA talks with the EU and EFTA until the issue of unfair and discriminatory practices against palm oil is resolved.
South Korea and Malaysia leaders agreed to get started on negotiating a bilateral free trade agreement, aiming to strike the deal within this year.
Malaysian palm oil producers urge the government to reject the revival talks of free trade agreement with the European Union (EU) in view of its move to boycott palm biodiesel.
The Malaysian government required the deferment of upgrade relations with the EU due to ongoing trade dispute over palm oil, where the EU has been moving to ban the use of palm oil in biofuels.
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Malaysia FTAs
From MITI
