Business leaders from nearly 30 leading European companies will visit Kuala Lumpur next week as negotiations on the Malaysia-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) gather pace.
The three-day mission, organised by the EU-ASEAN Business Council (EU-ABC) from Aug 4 to 6, will bring together senior executives from across Europe for discussions with Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani and other key government officials on strengthening bilateral trade and investment.
The visit comes amid renewed momentum in ASEAN-EU trade relations, with the European Union aiming to conclude FTA negotiations with Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines by 2027.
EU-ABC Executive Director Chris Humphrey said European businesses strongly support efforts to finalise the Malaysia-EU FTA, noting that both sides have demonstrated clear political commitment to deepening economic cooperation.
“We look forward to a high-quality agreement that unlocks real benefits for both Malaysian and European businesses, such as expanded market access, reduced non-tariff barriers, and greater customs and trade facilitation,” he said.
The delegation is expected to explore investment opportunities across high-growth sectors including artificial intelligence (AI), the digital economy, advanced manufacturing, healthcare and nutrition, clean energy, and sustainable infrastructure.
Beyond meetings with Johari, the business leaders are scheduled to hold discussions with Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli? Wait source says Akmal Nasir. (Need source fidelity.)
They are also expected to meet Minister of Economy Akmal Nasir, Minister of Natural Resources Arthur Joseph Kurup, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, as well as senior officials from the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Energy, Bank Negara Malaysia, the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and the Royal Malaysian Customs Department.
Humphrey said the discussions will focus not only on Malaysia’s broader trade outlook but also on identifying practical measures to facilitate investment and improve market access for European businesses operating in the country.
“Beyond broad discussions on Malaysia’s trade outlook, we aim to examine how to ease trade and investment in specific sectors, as well as identify tangible opportunities for European businesses to support Malaysia’s long-term economic transformation,” he said.
He added that Europe remains committed to supporting Malaysia’s economic ambitions through deeper commercial partnerships.
“Europe is already invested in Malaysia’s future. We’re here to help realise our shared ambitions and boost resilience, economic integration and prosperity,” he said.
The European Union is currently one of Malaysia’s five largest trading partners. Bilateral trade in goods reached €48.9 billion in 2025, comprising €30.3 billion in Malaysian exports to the EU and €18.6 billion in EU exports to Malaysia.
European investment in Malaysia also remains substantial, with EU investment stock amounting to €33.1 billion in 2024, highlighting the bloc’s continued role as a major source of foreign direct investment into the country.
