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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


Malaysia mulls FTA with GCC countries
International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz said Malaysia is considering discussing free trade agreement (FTA) with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
Malaysia starts FTA negotiations with Chile
Malaysia is starting Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks with Chile, which will pave the way to turn the latter as the launch pad for the country’s exports to Latin American markets of 550 million people and worth US$298 billion.
Canada, US interested in treaties with Malaysia
Though their reasons and goals are different, both Canada and US are interested to sign treaties with Malaysia to facilitate trade.
Farmers losing out in free trade mart
Foreign food products are making their way into the country under the Free Trade Agreements and market liberalisation, while Malaysian products are struggling to penetrate foreign markets.
Malaysia urged to diversify trade pacts beyond Asean
Malaysia should diversify its trade agreements beyond its traditional trading bloc in the Asean region and focus on expanding liberalisation of trade policies to enhance its competitiveness in global trade.
Taiwan keen on free trade
Taiwan is eager to enter into a free trade agreement (FTA) with Malaysia, according to its vice-president Annette Lu Hsiu-lien.
Australia wants access to Malaysian govt procurement market in trade deal
Australia wants access to Malaysia’s government procurement market, which currently favors the country’s majority ethnic Malays, enshrined in a free trade deal, Trade Minister Mark Vaile said.
Australian Companies Urged To Use M’sia As Regional Hub
Australian companies have been urged to use Malaysia as a regional hub for their businesses, taking advantage of the free trade agreements (FTAs) that Malaysia had signed with several countries.
Malaysia and Australia set to enter new era with FTA
Economic relations between Malaysia and Australia are set to enter a new era when the two countries conclude a free trade agreement (FTA).
Aussie envoy: FTA will stir interest in Malaysia
An agreement to liberalise trade of goods and services between Malaysia and Australia will help attract more Australian firms to invest in and trade with Malaysia.