1. Malaysia and New Zealand successfully concluded the bilateral negotiations on the Malaysia-New Zealand Free Trade Area on 30 May 2009 . This FTA will complement the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand FTA (AANZFTA), and will further facilitate and enhance two-way trade , services, investment and economic relations in general. In commercial terms, the FTA would provide an excellent operating environment for the business community of both countries to further strengthen their bilateral trade and economic linkages on a long term.

2. Malaysia's total trade with New Zealand in 2008 amounted to US$1.9 billion (RM6.2 billion) comprising exports worth US$1.1 billion (RM3.6 billion) and imports US$0.8 billion (RM2.6 billion). Trade during January to April 2009 amounted to US$288.9 million (RM1,046.5 million), with exports worth US$135.7 million (RM491.6 million) and imports US$153.2 million (RM554.9 million).

3. In 2008 , New Zealand was Malaysia's:

• 30th largest trading partner;
• 27th largest export destination; and
• 34th largest import source.

Growth in total trade between the two countries increased by 14.7% in 2007 and 46.2% in 2008.

4. The necessary domestic procedures as well as the legal and technical verification of the Agreement and schedules attached thereto will need to be carried out before the FTA is signed. Details of the FTA will be announced after the Agreement had been signed.

FTA Policy and Negotiations Coordination Division
Ministry of International Trade and Industry