Australia’s Links Trade with Malaysia

Countries of the Asia-Pacific

Malaysia’s Location Malaysia is located in South-East Asia: 2° 30' N, 112° 30‘ Shares borders with Thailand, Borneo, Indonesia, Brunei, and the South China Sea, south of Vietnam 329,847 km 2

Malaysia’s Demographics Population of 25,715,819 (July 2009 est.). Ranked 47 th in the world Population of 25,715,819 (July 2009 est.). Ranked 47 th in the world Median Age: 24.9 Median Age: 24.9 Urban population: 70% of total population (2008) Urban population: 70% of total population (2008) Life Expectancy: years Life Expectancy: years Males yearsMales years Females yearsFemales years Ethnic groups: Ethnic groups: Malay 50.4%, Chinese 23.7%, indigenous 11%, Indian 7.1%, others 7.8% (2004 est.)Malay 50.4%, Chinese 23.7%, indigenous 11%, Indian 7.1%, others 7.8% (2004 est.)

The link between Malaysia and Australia Trade

Trade Agreements with Malaysia On April , Malaysia and Australia started to plan for a free trade Agreement between the two countries. On April , Malaysia and Australia started to plan for a free trade Agreement between the two countries. Malaysia is the third largest trading partner between the ASEAN countries and Australia and ranks number eleven out of all countries. Malaysia is the third largest trading partner between the ASEAN countries and Australia and ranks number eleven out of all countries. In 2007, Australia exported $4.5 billion of our goods and $1.3 billion in services to Malaysia. In 2007, Australia exported $4.5 billion of our goods and $1.3 billion in services to Malaysia.

Different governments involved This agreement will involve the governments of all Australian states and territories plus the Australian Federal Government. This agreement will involve the governments of all Australian states and territories plus the Australian Federal Government. They will liaise with the Government of Malaysia and then with the regional and district governments. They will liaise with the Government of Malaysia and then with the regional and district governments.

Some of the many Australian Businesses and Non-government organisations involved Unions, NGOs and others include: Unions, NGOs and others include: ACTUACTU AMWUAMWU Australian Fair Trade & Investment NetworkAustralian Fair Trade & Investment Network Services include: Services include: Education –UniversitiesEducation –Universities Banks – ANZ, NABBanks – ANZ, NAB Music Council of AustraliaMusic Council of Australia TelstraTelstra Mining and manufacturing –Mining and manufacturing – ALCOA ALCOA Ford Motor Company Ford Motor Company Building Products Innovations Australia Building Products Innovations Australia Food IndustryFood Industry Australian Chicken Meat Federation Australian Chicken Meat Federation Dairy Australia Dairy Australia Meat and Livestock Australia Meat and Livestock Australia WA Fishing Industry Council WA Fishing Industry Council

Changes in Malaysia over 50 years Over the past 50 years Malaysia’s economy has shifted from one of agriculture to that of a manufacturer and exporter of agricultural products. Over the past 50 years Malaysia’s economy has shifted from one of agriculture to that of a manufacturer and exporter of agricultural products. The main exports are now palm oil products and technology including cars – the Proton is a fully Malaysian car. The main exports are now palm oil products and technology including cars – the Proton is a fully Malaysian car. Tourism has also become a major export in Malaysia Tourism has also become a major export in Malaysia

Non-Government Links The Australian-Malaysian Institute is a non- government organisation which commenced in The Australian-Malaysian Institute is a non- government organisation which commenced in The aim of the organisation is the strengthening the people-to-people and institutional links with Malaysia. The aim of the organisation is the strengthening the people-to-people and institutional links with Malaysia. It also aims to increase mutual understanding and cooperation between the two countries. It also aims to increase mutual understanding and cooperation between the two countries. One major link has always been education. This commenced in the 1950s with the Colombo Plan aimed at increasing educational opportunity of Malaysian students by offering them places in Australian Universities. One major link has always been education. This commenced in the 1950s with the Colombo Plan aimed at increasing educational opportunity of Malaysian students by offering them places in Australian Universities.

Malaysia-Australia Free Trade Industry Agreements Automotive Industry Automotive Industry Agriculture Agriculture Electronic products Electronic products Services Sector Services Sector Possible Advantages Possible Advantages The Malaysian and Australian governments have differing standards in terms of policy enforcement of regulations. As a result some products enter Australia which do not meet safety standards in this country. Another field of contention is the protection of intellectual and property rights under copyright. The Australian government is working with the Malaysian government to try to enforce these regulations. The FTA could increase investment, output and employment, especially relating to the development of new technologies.