02/07/2026 05:53 PM

MEUFTA To Unlock Greater Trade Opportunities — Belgium DPM

By Durratul Ain Ahmad Fuad

KUALA LUMPUR, July 2 (Bernama) — Belgium is hopeful that the Malaysia-European Union (EU) Free Trade Agreement (MEUFTA) would unlock greater new trade opportunities, strengthen economic growth, and create jobs.

Belgium's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Development Cooperation, Maxime Prévot, said concluding the FTA remains a priority for both the EU and Belgium.

“It (the FTA) will open the doors for more exchanges and new trade opportunities, while supporting the economic growth of both parties,” he said to Bernama, adding that the deal is also expected to sustain the development of the respective regions.

Negotiations on the MEUFTA are expected to be concluded within the next few months or by next year.

Prévot said Belgium is a highly open economy with exports contributing about 85 per cent of its gross domestic product (GDP), despite being a small country with a population of 11.77 million people.

The Belgian deputy prime minister is currently in Malaysia on a two-day working visit beginning today, marking his first visit to the country since assuming office in February last year.

He will be meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, who is also the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister, today.

The parties are set to discuss cooperation in renewable energy, rare earth elements and the halal industry, Malaysia-EU relations, as well as regional and international developments. 

Total bilateral trade between Malaysia and Belgium reached RM9.74 billion in 2025, comprising RM6.85 billion in Malaysian exports and RM2.89 billion in imports.

As of 2025, a total of 67 projects with Belgian participation had been approved, representing RM5.1 billion in investments and the potential creation of 4,605 jobs. 

-- BERNAMA

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