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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


S. Korea, Malaysia to negotiate bilateral FTA
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
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
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
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
New Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison will visit Indonesia with the goal of concluding the free trade deal between the two countries
Govt will look at revisiting FTA with GCC countries
The FTA was placed on hold since the region was impacted by various unfortunate circumstances such as the Arab Spring, followed by the global financial crisis, as well as the plunge in crude oil prices.
Malaysia to go ahead with Asia-Pacific trade pact CPTPP, says PM Mahathir
Malaysia will go ahead with the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) in a reaffirmation of the country’s commitment to the wide-ranging trade pact involving 11 nations.
Malaysia should review bilateral investment treaties for unfair bias towards investors
Malaysia should review bilateral investment treaties to see if it is fair to remain in these trade agreements as some contain clauses that are seen to be biased to investors, said Third World Network adviser Martin Khor.
Reassess Malaysia’s position in trade agreements — CAP
The Consumer Association of Penang (CAP) is urging the government to assess its position in regional trade agreements like the TPP and the RCEP.
Need to review trade policy and treaties
Trade deals cover many key issues besides trade and have huge implications for economic and social development, so they should also come under review by the new government.