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
Articles
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29-Jun-2018 The Edge Markets Malaysia should review bilateral investment treaties for unfair bias towards investors
Malaysia should review bilateral investment treaties to see if it is fair to remain in these trade agreements as some contain clauses that are seen to be biased to investors, said Third World Network adviser Martin Khor. -
6-Jun-2018 The Edge Markets Reassess Malaysia’s position in trade agreements — CAP
The Consumer Association of Penang (CAP) is urging the government to assess its position in regional trade agreements like the TPP and the RCEP. -
4-Jun-2018 The Star Need to review trade policy and treaties
Trade deals cover many key issues besides trade and have huge implications for economic and social development, so they should also come under review by the new government. -
22-May-2018 The New Straits Times New government still deciding to pursue trade pact
The Malaysian government will review several trade agreements such as Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) to see if its viable to be part of the trade partnerships. -
28-Mar-2018 Malaysian Digest Malaysia studying possibility of having FTA with Brazil
Malaysia is studying the possibility of establishing a free-trade agreement (FTA) with Brazil, International Trade and Industry Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Seri J Jayasiri said. -
12-Feb-2018 Malaysian Reserve US-Malaysia FTA unlikely until CPTPP sealed
Unlikely that a US-Malaysia FTA will transpire anytime soon, says American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce -
8-Feb-2018 The Malay Mail Online Trade deals a major boost for the country, says Mustapa
Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said, "Malaysia has been an open economy dependent on trade and we have been one of the biggest supporters of free trade." -
30-Jan-2018 Parti Sosialis Malaysia Towards a peoples charter on international trade agreements
It is now time we open up the dialogue on the kind of trade agreements that we want to see in place. -
25-Jan-2018 Free Malaysia Today News Don’t sign revised trade pact, consumers group urges government
Consumers Association of Penang says the new agreement will be even worse than the original as there will not even be the benefit of selling more exports to the US. -
17-Jan-2018 FMT News Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM): Reject all unfair trade deals, including TPPA’s replacement
Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) said it would fight all trade agreements that it considered unfair and only favoured big corporations, including a new regional economic partnership that is set to replace the US-sponsored Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA). -
15-Jan-2018 NHK World Malaysian Chinese feel impact of China’s "Belt and Road" initiative
In Malaysia, people of Chinese descent account for about a quarter of the population. With China seeking a stronger economic foothold overseas through its "Belt and Road" initiative, this community is looking to benefit. -
17-Nov-2017 New Straits Times An upgraded TIFA paves the way for higher economic engagement between the US and Malaysia
An upgraded Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) version, to the level of a bilateral free trade agreement, will pave the way for higher economic engagement between the US and Malaysia, said official -
31-Jul-2017 Bernama FTAs with Iran, HK, by yearend: MITI
Malaysia expects to conclude free trade agreements with Hong Kong and Iran by year-end and affirms that the FTA between Malaysia and EU is also advancing -
18-Jul-2017 Free Malaysia Today US, Malaysia set to pursue bilateral trade talks
Both nations will establish working groups to address trade matters that include labour, intellectual property and the environment. -
7-Jul-2017 The Sun Daily Malaysia in bilateral consultations with US, says US ambassador
Bilateral consultations are underway between Malaysia and the US to enhance the economic and trade relationship between the two countries in a bilateral channel. -
1-Mar-2017 New Strait Times Malaysia-GCC trade deal on hold for now
International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said Malaysia is keen to revive the framework agreement but there have been challenges. -
16-Feb-2017 New Straits Times Bilateral trade deals ’more realistic’ option: Mustapa
In the absence of the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement, bilateral trade agreements with trading partners would be a ‘doable and more realistic’ option for Malaysia, International Trade and Industry Minister said. -
8-Feb-2017 The Star Palm oil exports to Iran to grow by up to 40% next year
The Plantation Industries and Commodities Ministry is positive Malaysia’s total export of palm oil and palm oil products to Iran will grow by 30%-40% under a preferential or free trade agreement. -
4-Jan-2017 The Star Malay Chamber of Commerce eyes African market
President Datuk Syed Ali Alattas to take advantage of Sudan’s free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Union by investing in the African country. -
21-Dec-2016 New Straits Times Cabinet gives green light for FTA with Iran
Malaysia will embark on a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) talks with Iran to take advantage of the potential growth of bilateral business.
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FTA Malaysia
Critical portal about Malaysia’s FTAs maintained by Consumers Association of Penang, Third World Network and Sahabat Alam Malaysia -
Malaysia free trade agreements
Webpage on Malaysia’s FTA engagements, run by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry. -
Status of Malaysia’s bilateral and regional FTA negotiations
From MITI
