Malaysia is in discussions with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to establish a free trade agreement (FTA) aimed at enhancing economic ties with the bloc, which includes the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Oman.

Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry, announced on Friday that negotiations are underway for an FTA with the GCC. He also mentioned that a bilateral FTA with the UAE is nearing finalization, with the signing expected by the end of this year, according to the Malaysian news agency BERNAMA.

The minister emphasized Malaysia's objective to secure a comprehensive FTA with all six GCC member states to strengthen trade relationships in the region. He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s role as the largest economy in the GCC and noted that ongoing negotiations include the Kingdom.

Currently, Malaysia has seven bilateral FTAs and nine multilateral FTAs with various countries. An agreement with the GCC would mark Malaysia’s first FTA with an Arab nation, underscoring the growing economic collaboration between Malaysia and the Gulf states.