Malaysia is poised to sign a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by the end of this year, as announced by the Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz. This agreement marks a significant milestone in Malaysia's trade relations with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

Key Takeaways

Malaysia and UAE to finalize FTA by year-end.
First FTA with a GCC member state.
Expected benefits include lower trade tariffs and enhanced investment opportunities.
Malaysia aims to strengthen trade ties between ASEAN and GCC.

Overview of the FTA

The discussions regarding the FTA were concluded last week, and the agreement is currently being finalized in collaboration with the Attorney General's Department. Tengku Zafrul expressed optimism about the signing, stating, "Insya-Allah, by the end of this year, we will be able to sign the first free trade agreement with a GCC member state."

This FTA is expected to open up significant opportunities for trade and investment, particularly for Malaysian companies. The agreement will allow for lower or zero tariffs on various goods, making it easier for Malaysian businesses to access the UAE market.

Benefits for Malaysian Companies

The FTA is anticipated to provide several advantages for Malaysian companies, including:

Lower Tariffs: Reduced or eliminated tariffs on exports to the UAE.
Investment Incentives: Joint incentives that will encourage more companies to establish a presence in Malaysia.
Market Access: Enhanced access to the broader GCC market, with the UAE serving as a hub.

Strengthening ASEAN-GCC Relations

In addition to the FTA, Tengku Zafrul highlighted Malaysia's role as the Chair of ASEAN in 2025. The country aims to foster stronger trade links between ASEAN and the GCC. In May next year, Malaysia will host the ASEAN-GCC+China Conference, which will include all ASEAN countries and six Gulf nations: Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, along with China.

This conference is expected to further enhance cooperation and trade relations among these nations, paving the way for more collaborative economic initiatives.

Conclusion

The impending signing of the FTA between Malaysia and the UAE represents a significant step forward in Malaysia's trade strategy, particularly in its engagement with the GCC. As both nations prepare for this landmark agreement, the focus will be on maximizing the benefits for businesses and fostering deeper economic ties in the region.

Additionally, the recent Fun Run event organized by Bernama and MITI, which took place at Titiwangsa Lake, underscores the importance of community engagement and promoting a healthy lifestyle, coinciding with the broader goals of national development and cooperation.