Malaysia and New Zealand target to conclude the Malaysia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (MNZFTA) review by end of 2024, says PM Anwar.
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and New Zealand are looking to conclude the review of the Malaysia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (MNZFTA) by the end of this year.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon expressed their commitment to this goal during a bilateral meeting held on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits here today.
Anwar said during the meeting, New Zealand also reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cooperation in the halal sector.
“Our discussions focused on efforts to enhance bilateral ties across various strategic areas, including trade, investment, agriculture, fisheries, halal industry development, education, and renewable energy.
“Both sides also reviewed the progress and ongoing negotiations of several memoranda of understanding and existing agreements, covering youth and sports, education, agriculture, criminal justice, transnational crime, disaster management, and customs,” he said.
Anwar added that a range of regional and international issues, including developments in Myanmar and Palestine, were also discussed.
He said Malaysia and New Zealand shared the same stance in upholding the principles of peace, justice, and inclusive development.
“May the friendly relations and close cooperation between Malaysia and New Zealand continue to flourish, benefiting the people of both countries,” said Anwar.
The three-day regional summit, which concludes on Tuesday, is being held under Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2025, themed “Inclusivity and Sustainability.” – Bernama
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