Swiss Investments into Malaysia Rise After EFTA–Malaysia Free Trade Agreement
- ssp-01
- Oct 4
- 2 min read
Kuala Lumpur, September 26, 2025
Investments from Switzerland into Malaysia are rising following the signing of the EFTA–Malaysia Economic Partnership Agreement (Meepa), underscoring growing confidence between the two markets.
The free trade agreement, signed on 23 June 2025, brings together Malaysia and the four member states of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) – Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway – opening new opportunities across advanced manufacturing, life sciences, green technologies, and financial services.
Speaking after the ASEAN Economic Ministers Troika Meeting with Switzerland in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, welcomed the strong interest of Swiss companies in Malaysia:
“The move reflects the confidence of EFTA member states and the private sector that the FTA will facilitate business.”
Deputy Minister Liew Chin Tong added that ASEAN–Switzerland trade reached US$28.3 billion (RM119.5 billion) in 2024, driven by high-value Swiss technologies and products.
From Switzerland’s side, State Secretary for Economic Affairs Helene Budliger-Artieda reaffirmed the country’s commitment to deepening regional partnerships, citing recent milestones:
The FTA with Malaysia
A trade agreement with Thailand signed at the World Economic Forum in Davos
A digital economy agreement with Singapore
She emphasized:
“Since becoming a sectoral dialogue partner in 2016, Switzerland has built a strong and growing relationship with ASEAN. Nearly a decade of cooperation reflects our shared values and ambitions.”
Looking ahead, Switzerland aims to conclude an FTA with Vietnam and to further operationalize the ASEAN–EFTA Joint Declaration on Cooperation, adopted in 2024.
Trilateral Meeting between Malaysia, Switzerland and the ASEAN Secretariat.
Strategic Swiss Partners View
At Strategic Swiss Partners, we see this development as a pivotal moment for Swiss companies seeking to expand in Southeast Asia.
Malaysia, as a strategic gateway to ASEAN’s 680 million-strong market, offers:
A stable regulatory environment
Competitive investment incentives
A growing appetite for Swiss innovation and technology
The EFTA–Malaysia FTA is more than a trade agreement – it is a strategic platform for long-term partnerships in industries where Switzerland’s strengths in precision manufacturing, finance, and sustainable technologies align with Malaysia’s development ambitions.
Explore Opportunities with Strategic Swiss Partners
Are you a Swiss business looking to expand into Malaysia or the ASEAN region?
Strategic Swiss Partners can help you navigate local markets, connect with key stakeholders, and structure effective cross-border strategies.
📩 Contact us:
Source : Bernama
