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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

Mahathir’s tilt to China smooths the way for Beijing in Southeast Asia
7-Jun-2019 The Interpreter
Always known as a fiercely non-aligned leader, Malaysia’s Prime Minister has changed his tune on the Belt and Road.
Malaysian minister: ‘Palm oil is a deal-braker for EU-ASEAN trade relations’
12-May-2019 Euractiv
Malaysian minister warned that Malaysia would adopt retaliatory measures to penalise European products if the ban goes ahead as planned. Furthermore, the ASEAN will not sign a partnership agreement with the EU unless palm oil is allowed again.
Malaysia signs Asean trade in services agreement
24-Apr-2019 Malay Mail
Malaysia has signed the Asean Trade in Services Agreement (ATISA) and the Fourth Protocol to Amend the Asean Comprehensive Investment Agreement (ACIA).
Ongoing review of FTA to increase trade volume
24-Apr-2019 Daily Express
Bilateral trade between Turkey and Malaysia can be increased through expanding the scope of the FTA which is currently under the review of the two governments.
Malaysia might continue suspending FTA talks with EU and EFTA
18-Apr-2019 New Straits Times
Malaysia may continue to suspend FTA talks with the EU and EFTA until the issue of unfair and discriminatory practices against palm oil is resolved.
S. Korea, Malaysia to negotiate bilateral FTA
14-Mar-2019 KBS World Radio
South Korea and Malaysia leaders agreed to get started on negotiating a bilateral free trade agreement, aiming to strike the deal within this year.
Govt should stop free trade talks with the EU
8-Mar-2019 New Straits Times
Malaysian palm oil producers urge the government to reject the revival talks of free trade agreement with the European Union (EU) in view of its move to boycott palm biodiesel.
Malaysia threatens to freeze out EU over palm oil ban
29-Jan-2019 Nikkei Asian Review
The Malaysian government required the deferment of upgrade relations with the EU due to ongoing trade dispute over palm oil, where the EU has been moving to ban the use of palm oil in biofuels.
We don’t need trade pact to draw investors, says Santiago
25-Oct-2018 Free Malaysia Today
An MP has dismissed a trade advocacy group’s claim that Malaysia will lose out to Vietnam if it does not ratify the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
Australia to make FTA with Indonesia imminent
28-Aug-2018 Vietnam+
New Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison will visit Indonesia with the goal of concluding the free trade deal between the two countries