KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia-European Union Free Trade Agreement (MEUFTA) is expected to be finalised by 2026, as the final stages of negotiations are set to proceed soon.
European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič said the agreement would follow the same framework of comprehensive partnership that has driven growth in trade, jobs, investment and closer political and people-to-people ties globally.
"I am sure that trade as we see it today between Malaysia and Europe, which is in the realm of €46bil euros (€1=RM4.94), will grow quickly once this FTA is in place," he said during his keynote address at the Asean-EU Business Summit 2025.
The summit takes place alongside the 57th Asean Economic Ministers' (AEM) Meeting and Related Meetings here on Thursday (Sept 25).
According to Šefčovič, Malaysia and the EU have accumulated considerable experience, expertise and insight in dealing with issues such as public procurement, state-owned enterprises, agricultural sensitivities, critical raw materials, export-import licensing and non-tariff barriers.
"I clearly hope that we will be able to proceed with the negotiations quite swiftly.
"I would like to conclude by reassuring you that we are fully conscious of the fact that Europe is an attractive partner – not only because we are the largest trading bloc and single market in the world – but also because we were, we are and always will be, a reliable, transparent and fair partner," he said.
Šefčovič also highlighted that free trade agreements with three individual Asean countries –Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines – are collectively expected to be concluded by 2027.
He said these bilateral agreements form an important network that will serve as the building blocks and a solid foundation for the broader region-to-region partnership, which will become the upcoming Asean-EU FTA.
"In 2027, we will mark 50 years of dialogue between the EU and Asean. As partners committed to a rules-based international trading system, we hope to celebrate this milestone by sealing the comprehensive strategic partnership, because our long-term goal remains a region-to-region trade agreement
"We have agreements with Singapore and Vietnam, as well as recently concluded bilateral agreements with Indonesia, and we are tirelessly working on others," he added. – Bernama
