Malaysia-Australia Free Trade Agreement (MAFTA)

The Malaysia-Australia Free Trade Agreement (MAFTA) was signed in May 2012 and came into force on 1 January 2013. 

What MAFTA offers

Australian industries that benefit include:

• milk
• automotives
• processed foods
• plastics
• chemicals
• a range of manufactured products such as wine, iron, steel, and rice.

Significant gains have also been achieved for services and investment through access to majority ownership. This includes companies in a wide range of sectors such as:

• education
• financial
• telecommunications
• professional services.

Suppliers in other industries such as tourism, research and development and mining-related services will also be guaranteed the right to majority ownership.

Doing business in Malaysia

Before entering the Malaysian business market, there are a number of factors to take into account. This includes culture, politics, and business etiquette.

Through a range of in-market and Australian-based services, Austrade can help Australian companies:

• familiarise themselves with local market conditions
• develop export opportunities.

Learn more about visas, tax requirements, priority business and product sectors at Doing business in Malaysia.

More information

For detailed information, visit the MAFTA page on the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) website.