- Negotiations
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
21-Jun-2010
Bernama
The government will expand investment and trade opportunities by signing new free trade agreements, particularly with nations in West Asia and other emerging markets.
4-Jun-2010
Bernama
Malaysia hopes to draw up a frawework for free trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council countries by October, said International Trade and Industry Deputy Minister Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir.
26-Apr-2010
Turkey is ready to commence Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations with Malaysia after positive exploratory talks between the two countries early this year, Turkish ambassador to Malaysia Serap Ataay said.
26-Apr-2010
Malaysia, which is currently in the midst of negotiating a free trade agreement (FTA) with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), will look at several sectors including Islamic banking to be included in the FTA.
29-Mar-2010
AFP
Malaysia and India are on target to sign a free-trade agreement by year-end as the two countries readied for a third round of talks.
3-Mar-2010
AP
"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
24-Jan-2010
Malaysia can have a free trade pact with the European Union (EU), EU ambassador Vincent Piket said, the second in Asean after Singapore.
19-Jan-2010
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.
15-Nov-2009
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.
26-Oct-2009
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.