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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
Photo: MTUC


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.
Malaysia, Sri Lanka to explore possibility of initiating FTA
Malaysia and Sri Lanka have agreed to explore the possibility of initiating the Malaysia-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement in efforts to promote trade between the two countries.
Why trade matters
International trade has been an important component in the economies of the Malay Archipelago. Despite this, the extent to which international trade affects our daily lives may not be fully appreciated by many of us.
No cheaper milk despite NZ FTA
Consumer prices of dairy products imported from New Zealand will most likely remain at the current level although the free trade agreement (FTA) between the southern country and Malaysia will fully kick off in 2016.
Malaysia in talks on FTA with Bosnia and Herzegovina
The Malaysian Government is in discussions on establishing a free trade agreement (FTA) with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Malaysia-Pakistan trade set to improve this year
Malaysia-Pakistan tradeis expected to improve this year with the revival of Malaysia-Pakistan Closer Economic Partnership Agreement (MPCEPA)
Malaysia, GCC To Resume FTA Talks
Malaysia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) will resume talks on a free trade agreement this year, said International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed.
Don’t sign agreements that erode workers’ rights
The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) is most concerned about the serious implications of Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) clauses and provisions in the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) and other such agreements and treaties that Malaysia signs.
China against Malaysia-Taiwan FTA
Chinese ambassador to Malaysia Huang Huikang says China is against any move by Malaysia to sign a free trade agreement (FTA) with Taiwan.
Come clean on Malaysia’s trade with Israel, says PKR MP
A PKR lawmaker demanded today that Putrajaya reveal the trade relationship between pro-Palestine Malaysia and Israel amid the bloody conflict in Gaza.