bilaterals.org logo
bilaterals.org logo

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 may join Asia-Pacific trade talks to boost ties with US
"The US bilateral (free-trade) talk is not on, so we have to explore other alternatives. It is for that reason we are keen to come on board (the TPP) subject to local consultations," Trade Minister Mustapa Mohamed says
EU keen to step up FTA dialogues with Malaysia
Malaysia can have a free trade pact with the European Union (EU), EU ambassador Vincent Piket said, the second in Asean after Singapore.
Malaysia committed to Asean-China FTA
The Malaysian government is committed to the regional free trade agreement (FTA) with China that came into force on Jan 1, although some parties have expressed concerns the trade liberalisation agreement would hurt local manufacturers.
FTA deal with Chile to be sealed soon
Malaysia is close to finalising its first Free Trade Area (FTA) deal with Chile and the Latin American leader plans to sign it during a visit to Kuala Lumpur.
M’sia, NZ sign FTA
Malaysia and New Zealand signed a free trade deal on Monday after four years of negotiations, in an agreement Malaysia hopes will see it become a gateway to investment in Southeast Asia.
Malaysia plans to start FTA talks with GCC countries
Malaysia hopes to start negotiations for a free trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council countries this week.
FTA with NZ to improve time frames
The bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) between Malaysia and New Zealand, which is expected to be inked by year-end, seeks to improve the time frames agreed on earlier under the Asean-Australia and New Zealand FTA.
Chile, Malaysia begin fresh FTA talks
Chile and Malaysia on Monday began a 6th round of negotiations for a bilateral free trade agreement, which is expected to be signed this year.
Malaysia FTA renegotiations start in June
Renegotiations on the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Malaysia and three other countries namely the United States (US), Australia and New Zealand will begin in the middle of June.
Najib, Emir witnesses Malaysia-Qatar bilateral trade agreement
Malaysia and Qatar signed a bilateral trade agreement on 20 May