Malaysia-Turkey Free Trade Agreement (MTFTA) Set to Be Expanded

International Trade and Industry Minister Mohamed Azmin Ali with Turkish trade minister Mehmet Mus (right) during the ministry's trade and investment mission to the country

Senior Minister and Minister of International Trade and Industry The Honourable Dato’ Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali continues the Trade and Investment Mission (TIM) to the Republic of Turkey, in the effort to enhance bilateral trade and showcasing Malaysia as an investment destination of choice. Considering the strong relationship between the two countries, the TIM is key in charting the next phase of trade and economic cooperation for both Malaysia and Turkey.

The Government of Malaysia and the Government of the Republic of Turkey signed the Joint Declaration on the Expansion of the Free Trade Agreement between Malaysia and Turkey, in Ankara. The Joint Declaration was concluded during the Trade and Investment Mission to Turkey, led by the Senior Minister. 

The signing of the Joint Declaration marks a resolute commitment from both countries to continue to take the path of progressive liberalisation at a time when new forms of protectionism are taking root. Acknowledging the essential role of trade agreements in boosting post-pandemic recovery and growth, both Malaysia and Turkey have agreed that it is an opportune time for the MTFTA that was signed in 2014, to be expanded to include the services, investment and e-commerce chapters. Malaysia was represented by Dato’ Seri Azmin while the Republic of Turkey was represented by its Minister of Trade, His Excellency Dr Mehmet Mu?.

At the bilateral meeting that preceded the signing, both Ministers underscored their firm conviction for the rules-based multilateral trading system and the complementary role assumed by pragmatic economic integration initiatives. Dato’ Seri Azmin emphasised the significant role of FTAs in advancing the trade and economic interests of both countries. As world economies ramp up efforts for economic recovery, the expansion of MTFTA areas has become even more imperative in order to explore new and creative ways of enhancing bilateral market access. 

The MTFTA was signed on 17 April 2014 and came into force on 1 August 2015. With the entry into force of MTFTA, Malaysian exporters were able to secure preferential market access into, and remain competitive in the Turkish market.

 Ankara, the capital of Turkey

Total trade between Malaysia and Turkey has witnessed steady increase since the MTFTA was enforced in 2015. That year alone, bilateral trade witnessed a phenomenal increase of 76.8% compared with 2014, and in 2017, it reached USD2.79 billion, the highest number ever recorded. For the period of January to May 2021, total trade between both countries increased by 79.4% to USD1.63 billion compared with USD0.88 billion for the same period in 2020. 

One-to-one business meetings with targeted high-profile Turkish companies as well as potential investors had also been conducted, to further explore new business opportunities. The Senior Minister offered assurance that Malaysia is committed in ensuring ease of doing business through business-friendly policies and comprehensive measures to solidify economic cooperation. Further, quality and high-impact investments from Turkey are also welcomed to further catalyse Malaysia’s value creation, in line with the country’s National Investment Aspirations.

Earlier in a separate event, the Senior Minister also witnessed the signing of a Heads of Agreement (HOA) between Sapura Technics Sdn Bhd and Turkish Airlines Technic Inc in Istanbul, marking a strategic joint venture on Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) operations in Senai Airport, Johor Bahru. The signing is a testament to the Government’s efforts towards further strengthening the ongoing business linkages between Malaysia and Turkey as well as enhancing the advancement of Malaysia’s aerospace ecosystem to be a regional leader.

The Senior Minister reiterated Malaysia’s clear and comprehensive exit strategy through the National Recovery Plan and shared that Malaysia is accelerating its immunisation programme, targeted to ensure that Malaysia will have a smooth and swift exit out of the pandemic and advance along the trajectory of robust and sustained economic recovery.

In 2020, Turkey was Malaysia’s third-largest trading partner, second-largest export destination and fifth largest import source among the countries in the West Asia region. The expansion of MTFTA is expected to inject significant impetus to the economic recovery efforts being undertaken by both countries, and pave the way for enhanced synergistic bilateral cooperation between Malaysia and Turkey.