Kuala lumpur: Business leaders from nearly 30 European companies will be in Malaysia next week to meet Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani and senior government officials, as negotiations on the Malaysia-European Union (EU) Free Trade Agreement (FTA) advance towards a targeted conclusion in 2027.
According to Nam News Network, the visit, led by the EU-ASEAN Business Council (EU-ABC), will span three days from August 4-6. It aims to strengthen trade and investment ties between Malaysia and Europe through in-depth dialogue, with European companies eager to explore investment opportunities across key growth sectors. These sectors include artificial intelligence and the digital economy, advanced manufacturing, health and nutrition, clean energy, and sustainable infrastructure.
The visit coincides with renewed momentum in ASEAN-EU trade relations as the EU seeks to conclude FTA negotiations with Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand by next year, the EU-ABC stated in a release. EU-ABC executive director Chris Humphrey highlighted the strong support from European businesses for concluding the Malaysia-EU FTA negotiations in 2027. Humphrey noted the political will on both sides, indicating a mutual commitment to elevate bilateral relations and the broader ASEAN-EU relationship. He expressed anticipation for a high-quality agreement that unlocks real benefits for both Malaysian and European businesses, such as expanded market access and reduced non-tariff barriers.
The delegation is also expected to meet Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir, Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup, and Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu. Discussions will extend to officials from the finance and energy ministries, Bank Negara Malaysia, the Malaysian Investment Development Authority, and the Customs Department. The delegation aims to explore ways to facilitate trade and investment in specific sectors and identify tangible opportunities for European businesses to support Malaysia's long-term economic transformation.
Europe remains invested in Malaysia's future, with the EU being one of Malaysia's five largest trading partners. Bilateral trade in goods reached £48.9 billion in 2025, comprising £30.3 billion of Malaysian exports to the EU and £18.6 billion of EU exports to Malaysia. Malaysia is also a leading investment destination for the EU, with European investment stock in Malaysia reaching £33.1 billion in 2024.
