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  1. Negotiations

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

Malaysia ready to resume FTA negotiations with EU — Tengku Zafrul
6-Sep-2024 The Malaysian Reserve
The Malaysian government has recently approved the resumption of negotiations with the European Union (EU) to finalize a free trade agreement (FTA). This decision comes after a hiatus in negotiations that began in 2010 and were suspended in 2012 due to disagreements over several key issues.
Malaysia, New Zealand to conduct scoping exercise prior to FTA
3-Sep-2024 New Straits Times
Malaysia and New Zealand Prime Ministers tasked officials to conduct a scoping exercise before launching a review of the Malaysia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement.
Malaysia works On FTA with GCC countries - Minister
28-Aug-2024 MENAFN
Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade and industry Tengku Zarful Abdul Aziz said on Friday that his country is holding talks on a free trade agreement (FTA) with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
Free trade talks with GCC on FTA with UAE by year end, says Tengku Zafrul
23-Aug-2024 The Malaysian Reserve
Malaysia is continuing discussions with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for a free trade agreement (FTA) while a bilateral pact with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will be concluded by the end of this year.
S. Korea, Malaysia resume free trade talks after 5-year hiatus
20-Aug-2024 Yonhap News Agency
South Korea has resumed negotiations for a free trade agreement with Malaysia after a five-year hiatus. The aim is to deepen economic ties beyond the existing ASEAN FTA. The fourth round of talks will focus on services, investment, and digital, green, and bio industries.
Malaysia keen on FTA partnership with Bangladesh: Reports
4-Jun-2024 Fibre2Fashion
Malaysia is enthusiastic about signing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Bangladesh to boost bilateral trade and investment.
Malaysia keen to sign FTA, invites Bangladeshis for education, health
30-May-2024 Dhaka Tribune
Malaysia is keen to sign a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Bangladesh to increase two-way trade and investment and urges Bangladeshis to explore the international standard of education and healthcare services in Kuala Lumpur.
Malaysia needs more free trade agreements in Asean region to boost domestic economy, says Tengku Zafrul
6-Mar-2024 Malay Mail
Malaysia is looking to increase the number of free trade agreements, said its Investment, Trade and Industry Minister.
Malaysia to seal free trade deal with UAE by June, minister says
28-Feb-2024 Arab News
Malaysia expects to conclude a free trade agreement with the United Arab Emirates by the end of June, the country’s trade minister said, adding the deal could boost investment in Malaysia by the Gulf state’s sovereign wealth funds.
Malaysia is currently engaged in two ongoing FTA negotiations, says Tengku Zafrul
22-Nov-2023 The Edge Malaysia
Malaysia is currently negotiating two new free trade agreements: the Malaysia-EFTA Economic Partnership Agreement and the Asean-Canada Free Trade Agreement.