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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

Tehran, Kuala Lumpur getting closer to sign PTA
28-Sep-2020 Tehran Times
After nearly four years of negotiations, Iran and Malaysia are getting closer to the signing of a long-awaited preferential trade agreement.
Iran, Malaysia discuss preferential trade agreement
14-Sep-2020 Tehran Times
The third round of talks for signing a preferential trade agreement between Iran and Malaysia was held through video conference, an official with Iran’s Trade Promotion Organization (TPO) announced.
UK keen on joint committee to boost bilateral trade post-Brexit
27-Mar-2020 The Malaysian Reserve
The British government remains hopeful of setting up a joint committee to boost bilateral trade and investment with Malaysia amid changes to the federal government.
Without EU FTA, Malaysia to lose out — ambassador
7-Oct-2019 The Edge Markets
While the Malaysia-European Union (EU) trade and investment flows have been stable thus far, Malaysia’s trade advantages could decrease in the future, as negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA) with the bloc remain suspended.
Malaysia welcomes MAFTA review but priority given to RCEP conclusion
21-Aug-2019 Malay Mail
Malaysia welcomes the review of the Malaysia-Australia Free Trade Agreement (MAFTA) but any effort to do so will only be considered after the negotiations on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) have been concluded.
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.