SWISS investment into Malaysia has risen significantly following the signing of the Malaysia–European Free Trade Association Economic Partnership Agreement (MEEPA), according to Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz.
The minister described the development as a clear sign of confidence from Switzerland and other EFTA member states in the newly signed free trade agreement. MEEPA, finalised on 23 June, binds Malaysia with the four EFTA nations—Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland—marking a milestone in Malaysia’s pursuit of broader access to European markets.
“This reflects confidence not only from governments but also from private sector players that the agreement will significantly facilitate business,” said Tengku Zafrul, speaking to reporters after the fourth ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) Troika open-ended meeting with Switzerland.
Malaysia also held a bilateral discussion with Switzerland during the visit, with both parties reaffirming their interest in furthering investment and trade links under the new economic pact.
At the same meeting, Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Liew Chin Tong underscored Switzerland’s role as “a constructive and reliable partner” in ASEAN’s pursuit of shared economic growth.
“Switzerland continues to be a vital source of high-quality, innovation-led investment,” Liew said, highlighting particular opportunities in advanced manufacturing, life sciences, clean technology and financial services.
ASEAN’s two-way trade with Switzerland reached US$28.33 billion in 2024, demonstrating robust demand in the region for Swiss expertise and high-value exports.
Swiss State Secretary for Economic Affairs, Helene Budliger Artieda, praised the evolving relationship, noting her country’s progress in regional integration since becoming a sectoral dialogue partner of ASEAN in 2016.
“Nearly a decade of cooperation reflects our shared values and ambitions,” said Artieda. She pointed to completed free trade agreements with Singapore, the Philippines and Indonesia, as well as investment treaties with Cambodia and Laos, as examples of Switzerland’s long-term commitment to the region.
She also welcomed the recent MEEPA signing and a separate trade agreement with Thailand at the World Economic Forum in Davos, alongside a digital economy agreement with Singapore.
Artieda confirmed Switzerland’s intention to finalise an FTA with Vietnam and to strengthen engagement through the ASEAN–EFTA joint declaration on cooperation, adopted last year.
“This is just the beginning,” she said, expressing optimism for deeper integration between Switzerland and Southeast Asia. - September 26, 2025
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