As Malaysia’s closest regional partner, Australia offers many trade opportunities for Malaysian exporters. Malaysia and Australia have a strong economic and trade relationship, as both countries have a common interest in a free and open trading system. Australia is Malaysia’s 12^th largest trading partner in 2021, with the highest exports in petroleum products, crude petroleum, E&E products, chemical and chemical products, and manufacturer of metal.

There are currently three Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) in common between Malaysia and Australia. The first is the ASEAN, Australia and New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA), which aims to reduce trade barriers by eliminating at least 90 percent of all tariffs and simplify custom procedures. The second FTA is the Malaysia-Australia Free Trade Agreement (MAFTA), which eliminates all import duties for Malaysian goods entering Australia. The third and last FTA is the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which would enhance trade and economic relations with countries in East Asia as well as Australia and New Zealand.

Australia is a world-leading source of high-quality, safe and innovative processed food. Due to this, Australia offers high export potential for Malaysian exporters, especially for halal and plant-based food products. As Australia is a highly regulated country, food products entering the country must meet the requirements of the Australian New Zealand Food Standards Code and Imported Food Control Act 1992.

There are several factors Malaysian businesses should consider before expanding to Australia. Firstly, businesses should choose an appropriate business structure, and incorporate or register as a foreign company. Foreign companies can hold land and property in Australia, which is an advantage for Malaysian businesses. Secondly, Australia has strict intellectual property laws, and companies should ensure they comply with them. Finally, businesses need to be aware of the laws and regulations, as they are generally more complex in Australia than in other countries.

Malaysian businesses who are interested in exporting to Australia may reach out to MATRADE for enquiries and assistance.

For enquiries, please contact:

ASEAN & Oceania Section, MATRADE
Ms. Waeophimon K.
T: +603-6207 7224
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MATRADE, Melbourne Office
Consulate General of Malaysia
Trade Section (MATRADE)
Level 7, 432 St Kilda Road
Melbourne Victoria 3004

Ms Azimatul Masriyah Aziz Jamaludin
Trade Commissioner
T: +61-398 328 600
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Malaysia Australia Business Council (MABC):
C-26-3A, 3 Two Square
No 2, Jalan 19/1
46300 Petaling Jaya
Selangor
T: +603-7960 9490
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Global Victoria Melbourne
Level 33, 121 Exhibition Street
Melbourne Victoria 3000
T: +61-405 343 432
Website: www.global.vic.gov.au

AMBC Victoria Secretariat
PO Box 500
Flinders Lane Victoria 8009

Ms Christine Rutter-Strangward
T: 1300 436 678
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Website: www.ambcvic.melbourne

Austrade in Malaysia
Australian High Commission
6 Jalan Yap Kwan Seng
50450 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia

Mr Paul Sanda
Senior Trade Commissioner
T: +603-2782 5600
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Malaysia Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Sydney Office
Level 6, 16 Spring Street
Sydney NSW 2000

Ms Noraisyah Nordin
Director
T: +61-292 511 933
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Sources:
MATRADE webinar (Venturing into Australian Market: Exporters Guide)