EFTA parliamentarians visit Malaysia to strengthen parliamentary ties after FTA negotiations conclude

As Chair of the EFTA PC, Mr Grímur Grímsson from the Icelandic Parliament led the delegation, made up of 11 parliamentarians from the four EFTA States (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland). Two representatives of the EFTA Consultative Committee – a forum for trade unions and business associations from the EFTA States – joined the visit as observers. 

The delegation began its visit in Sarawak, a region known for its biodiversity and wildlife. There, the parliamentarians met with the Speaker of the Malaysian House of Representatives, HE Tan Sri Dato’ (Dr) Johari bin Abdul, President of the Senate, HE Senator Awang Bemee bin Awang Ali Basah, and Speaker of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly, Hon. Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Bin Awang Nassar. The meetings served as a valuable platform to exchange views on the next steps in the ratification process within the parliaments of both the EFTA States and Malaysia, and to foster the parliamentary dimension. The EFTA PC also met with the Premier of Sarawak, the Right Honourable Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg. They exchanged views on opportunities to accelerate the green transition, including through the algae economy and renewable energy.  

After visiting Sarawak, the delegation travelled to Kuala Lumpur to meet with the Minister of Human Resources, YB Encik Steven Sim Chee Keong, where the dialogue focused mainly on labour and sustainable development. 

The opportunities and benefits offered by the agreement were further emphasised during an exchange with the Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, HE Liew Chin Tong. The discussion also reaffirmed the importance of strengthening trade relations between like-minded countries and the need to diversify and balance partnerships.

At the Malaysian Parliament, the delegates held constructive discussions with their counterparts from the Special Select Committee on International Relations and International Trade. The meeting was a valuable opportunity to exchange perspectives on key trade developments shaping the region, the evolving geopolitical landscape and the role of inter-parliamentary dialogue in advancing common goals. The parliamentarians also met with the EU and UK delegations in Malaysia. 

Another highlight of the trip was the chance to explore EFTA–Malaysia high-tech connections, focusing on opportunities and challenges in the electrical and electronics industry. Through a panel discussion, the EFTA PC members engaged with companies from the EFTA States, senior representatives from the Malaysian Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, and members of academia. The participants took stock of Malaysia’s ambitions in the industry, the contributions of the EFTA States and synergies between the countries, as well as the impact of geopolitics on the industry. 

The EFTA parliamentarians also met with civil society representatives, trade unions, think tanks and experts on environmental and social sustainability. This enabled conversations on human rights, environmental protection and climate change. 

Throughout their time in Malaysia, the parliamentarians gathered important knowledge ahead of the MEEPA ratification process, enabling them to bring back key messages and useful information to citizens and economic operators in the EFTA countries. 

About the EFTA Parliamentary Committee

The EFTA PC is composed of parliamentarians from the four Member States: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Its role is to advise the EFTA countries on all issues relevant to EFTA such as relations with trade partners worldwide.

See photos from the parliamentary visit to Malaysia here. 

See more material from the visit, including interviews with the EFTA delegation chairs, on EFTA’s LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube channel. 

Read more about the MEEPA here.