(30.04.2025) The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) – of which Switzerland is a member – signed a free trade agreement with Malaysia on April 11. In 2024, the trade in goods between Switzerland and Malaysia amounted to over 1.4 billion francs, according to economiesuisse.
Malaysia is Switzerland’s second-largest investment destination in Southeast Asia, after Singapore. In 2022, direct investments totaled 3.4 billion francs.
The agreement covers trade in goods and services, intellectual property rights, rules of origin, trade facilitation, investment, and cooperation. The negotiations also led to provisions facilitating access to public procurement markets – a first in any agreement between EFTA and an Asian country.
Malaysia’s economy is driven largely by industry, particularly semiconductor manufacturing. The agreement opens up new export opportunities for Swiss companies in high-tech sectors. The country also benefits from modern infrastructure, a well-educated, English-speaking workforce, and significant mineral resources, including tin, bauxite, copper, and iron – creating a favourable environment for fresh investment.
In 2024, Swiss exports to the Southeast Asian nation were valued at nearly 806 million francs. More than half (58%) came from the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, or from machinery, equipment, and electronics (29% each).
That same year, imports from Malaysia to Switzerland reached around 640 million francs. Over 58% were from the machinery, equipment, and electronics sector, followed by precision instruments and watchmaking products (13%), according to data from the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS).
Last modification 30.04.2025
