Malaysia - Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (MJEPA)
Background
Malaysia and Japan established the Malaysia-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (MJEPA) on 13 December 2005. MJEPA came into force on 13 July 2006.
MJEPA is Malaysia's first comprehensive Agreement covering: trade in industrial and agricultural goods, trade in services, investment, rules of origin, customs procedures, standards and conformance, intellectual property, competition policy, enhancement of business environment, safeguard measures and dispute settlement.
Trade In Goods
Under MJEPA both Malaysia and Japan will progressively reduce or eliminate tariffs on their respective industrial and agricultural products. Commitments by the countries are reflected in their Schedule of Commitments.
Services
MJEPA is a comprehensive agreement and it covers liberalization of Trade in Services as well. Japan will accord to Malaysia same treatment as that given to other FTA partners. Sectors of interest to Malaysia include business and professional services, education services, Communication services, Tourism and Travel related services and Health related and Social services.
Investment
MJEPA provides a framework for expansion & facilitation of freer cross-border investment between the two countries, through commitments on:
- National treatment;
- MFN treatment;
- Enhanced protection of investors & investment
Economic Cooperation
Malaysia and Japan have agreed to undertake cooperation in several areas such as in:
- The development of the automotive industry in Malaysia i.e. Malaysia-Japan Automotive Industry Cooperation (MAJAICO);
- Agriculture;
- ICT;
- Education and HRD;
- Science and Technology;
- SMEs;
- Tourism; and
- Environment