As part of the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) group of countries, Malaysia is an important trading partner for New Zealand.
In October 2009 New Zealand and Malaysia signed a bilateral Free Trade Agreement, which will come into force in 2010.
The agreement establishing the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area also opens doors for New Zealand businesses to Southeast Asia, including Malaysia.
In this section, you will find a country brief with an economic overview and highlighted business opportunities, and market research in key areas of focus for New Zealand companies doing business in Malaysia.
For a comprehensive guide to doing business in Malaysia and comparisons with other key ASEAN trading partners, see New Zealand Trade and Enterprise’s Doing business in Southeast Asia website.
Malaysia country brief
As a result of a government push to encourage overseas investment, manufacturing – particularly electronics and electrical machinery – is becoming the economy’s driving force.
Malaysia is also a leading exporter of rubber, tin, palm oil, cocoa, pepper, and tropical hardwoods. It also has large reserves of petroleum and natural gas.
New Zealand’s exports to Malaysia are dominated by dairy products.
