- Negotiations
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
10-May-2025
AGBI
Malaysian prime minister Anwar Ibrahim has said that talks on closing a free trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council are continuing, 14 years after they first began.
6-Feb-2025
Trend
Uzbekistan and Malaysia are strengthening economic ties through a proposed preferential trade agreement and increased cooperation across various sectors. Uzbekistan is actively seeking Malaysian investment in its privatization program and has established a special economic zone managed by a Malaysian company.
30-Jan-2025
OpenGov
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim outlined Malaysia’s focus on integrating digitalisation into the country’s Free Trade Agreements.
30-Jan-2025
Xinhua English News
Malaysia has announced its 2025 trade targets, prioritizing partnerships with the BRICS group, leveraging existing Free Trade Agreements, and focusing on emerging markets. As the 2025 ASEAN chair, Malaysia will also emphasize regional integration, digital transformation, and sustainable growth in its trade strategy.
21-Jan-2025
Business Today
The Malaysian Palm Oil Council believes the recently signed Malaysia-United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement is set to deliver substantial benefits to the local palm oil industry.
15-Jan-2025
The National News
Malaysia and the UAE are strengthening their economic ties through a newly signed CEPA, which aims to boost trade and investment between the two nations. The CEPA is expected to further facilitate this growth by reducing tariffs and improving market access.
3-Dec-2024
The Edge Malaysia
The United Kingdom will officially become a member of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) on Dec 15, marking the first-ever free-trade agreement (FTA) between the UK and Malaysia.
26-Nov-2024
The Star
Malaysia and South Korea are set to finalize their Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in 2025. Both countries are accelerating negotiations to strengthen economic ties, focusing on ESG-aligned investments, technological exchange, and emerging sectors like digital and green economy.
11-Nov-2024
The Express Tribune
Malaysia and Pakistan will renegotiate their Free Trade Agreement (FTA). This follows Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s recent visit to Pakistan, where both countries signed several MoUs to enhance trade and investment.
18-Oct-2024
The Edge Malaysia
Malaysia’s participation in BRICS will not include any free trade agreement (FTA) between the country and members of the economic group, said Deputy Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong.
