Core Insights - Malaysia is actively expanding its global trade and investment partnerships to promote sustainable economic growth amid a complex global economic landscape and rising trade protectionism [1][6] - The country is leveraging multilateral cooperation mechanisms, such as ASEAN, SCO, and BRICS, as key components of its foreign economic policy [1][3] Group 1: Regional Economic Cooperation - The ASEAN Free Trade Area has significantly boosted intra-ASEAN trade by gradually eliminating internal tariff barriers, with trade volume reaching a historical high in 2024 [2] - Malaysia, as the rotating chair of ASEAN in 2025, is prioritizing the enhancement of global trade relations and is actively working on legal coordination and upgrading trade agreements [2][3] - The "ASEAN+" cooperation platform is being utilized to deepen economic collaboration with countries like China, Japan, and South Korea, enhancing ASEAN's influence in the global economy [3] Group 2: Bilateral Trade Agreements - Malaysia has made notable progress in expanding its global trade partnerships, including the signing of comprehensive economic partnership agreements with the UAE and the European Free Trade Association [3][4] - The bilateral trade volume between China and Malaysia reached $212 billion in 2024, marking a nearly thousand-fold increase since diplomatic relations were established [4] - Malaysia is also re-engaging in free trade agreement negotiations with Gulf Cooperation Council countries to promote trade and investment in various sectors [4] Group 3: Domestic Economic Transformation - Malaysia is focusing on domestic economic restructuring, particularly in the automotive sector, through collaborations with Chinese companies in electric vehicle development [5] - The extension of the East Coast Rail Link project aims to enhance regional connectivity and stimulate economic development [5] Group 4: Digital and Green Economy - Malaysia is advancing in digital and green economic development, having concluded discussions on a digital economy free trade agreement with ASEAN and Gulf Cooperation Council countries [6] - The country aims to enhance its position in the global digital and green economy through strengthened cooperation in these areas [6]