Delegations from the EFTA States and Malaysia made progress on most areas at the 13th round of trade negotiations on a free trade agreement. They also confirmed their willingness to speed up the process and continue negotiations in early 2023.

From 11th to 14th October, delegations from the EFTA States and Malaysia met in Kuala Lumpur and by videoconference for the 13th round of trade negotiations on an Economic Partnership Agreement between the EFTA States and Malaysia (MEEPA). According to an EFTA press release, the in-depth discussions focused on trade in goods and services, competition, rules of origin and investment. Other areas included government procurement, trade and sustainable development, intellectual property rights and cooperation and capacity building. 

Markus Schlagenhof, Ambassador and Delegate of the Swiss Federal Council for Trade Agreements, acted as EFTA spokesperson. The Malaysian delegation was headed by Sumathi Balakrishnan, Director at the Ministry of International Trade and Industry. Progress was made in most areas under negotiations, with some chapters brought close to conclusion.

On trade and sustainable development, the discussions focused on issues relating to right to regulate and domestic levels of protection, on international obligations in the area of worker’s protection and on respective policies regarding responsible business conduct.

At their closing plenary session today, delegations confirmed their willingness to speed up the negotiations and hold their 14th round early in 2023.

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