KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 4 (Bernama) -- The review and upgrade of negotiations of free trade agreements (FTAs) are a critical strategy to ensure that Malaysia’s trade framework remains relevant in driving the nation’s economic and socio-economic agenda.
The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), in a reply published on the parliament’s website today, said the review process is a standard mechanism provided for and carried out periodically every five years after an FTA comes into force.
According to MITI, Malaysia has implemented a total of 17 FTAs to date.
Of these, four FTAs have had their upgrade negotiations concluded and have been signed, namely the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) in October 2025, the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement in October 2025 (second review), the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement in August 2023, and the Malaysia-Türkiye Free Trade Agreement signed in September 2022.
Three FTAs are currently under review and undergoing upgrade negotiations, namely the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA), and the ASEAN-Korea Free Trade Agreement (AKFTA).
At the same time, five FTAs are at the planning or preliminary study stage for review, namely the Malaysia–Pakistan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, the Malaysia-Australia Free Trade Agreement, the Malaysia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, the Malaysia-India Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement, and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
The ministry was responding to a question from Lim Guan Eng (PH–Bagan), who sought to know the list of FTAs that would be reviewed or reassessed and the extent to which these agreements may not benefit or disadvantage the country.
MITI said the move is important to ensure that each FTA delivers a tangible economic impact to Malaysia, particularly in new areas, in line with current geo-economic developments. “This includes strengthening the participation of local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in global supply chains, addressing non-tariff barriers, and promoting the sustainability, inclusivity and digital economy agenda,” it added.
-- BERNAMA
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