Malaysia Stands Ready To Resume Trade And Investment Dialogues With Taiwan, Says Johari

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 12 – Malaysia remains open and fully prepared to resume bilateral trade and investment discussions with Taiwan, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani stated on Thursday, November 12, 2026.

Speaking to reporters following the launch of MySaham MITI in Kuala Lumpur, Johari emphasized that Malaysia maintains long-standing commercial ties with Taiwan and that existing bilateral trade and investment flows are proceeding without disruption.

“We continue to trade with Taiwan as usual. We export to and import from Taiwan without any problems,” Johari said.

When asked if a new date had been scheduled for the postponed bilateral meeting, Johari noted that Malaysian officials maintain regular engagements with Taiwanese representatives. “Taiwanese representatives recently came to meet us for discussions. There are no restrictions. When it comes to trade, there are no restrictions,” he affirmed.

His remarks follow Taiwan’s confirmation in October that it had suspended bilateral investment talks with Malaysia after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim characterized Taiwan as part of China.

PM Anwar Seeks MTECC Resumption Under One China Policy

Earlier on Thursday during the Minister’s Question Time (MQT) session in the Dewan Rakyat, Prime Minister Anwar revealed that Putrajaya had formally requested that the postponed Malaysia-Taiwan Economic Cooperation Committee (MTECC) meeting proceed.

Anwar clarified that ongoing trade and investment dialogues continue at the working committee level, consistent with Malaysia’s adherence to the One China policy upheld since 1974. He confirmed that checks with the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) show no indication of Taiwanese investors withdrawing from Malaysia.

Putrajaya remains committed to facilitating Taiwanese capital inflows, particularly within high-value sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), and microchip manufacturing.

Bilateral Trade and Manufacturing Investment Metrics

• 9M 2026 Bilateral Trade: Rose 47.1% year-on-year to RM254.21 billion (January–September 2026).
• 9M 2026 Malaysian Exports to Taiwan: Surged 88% to RM116.58 billion, while imports increased 24.2% to RM137.63 billion.
• Cumulative Manufacturing Investments (as of June 2026): 1,737 implemented projects with Taiwanese participation totaling RM34.3 billion and generating 234,660 jobs.

Diplomatic Context, Economic Figures, and Investment Facilitation

Key trade statistics, diplomatic frameworks, and ministerial updates include:

• MITI Position: Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani confirms bilateral trade faces zero restrictions and regular engagements with Taiwanese envoys are ongoing.
• Prime Minister’s Directive: PM Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim requested the rescheduling of the postponed Malaysia-Taiwan Economic Cooperation Committee (MTECC) meeting while maintaining the One China policy (established 1974).
• Investor Retention Status: Zero signs of Taiwanese corporate withdrawals; government actively facilitating semiconductor, AI, and chip investments.
• 9M 2026 Trade Volume: RM254.21 billion (+47.1%), driven by RM116.58 billion in Malaysian exports (+88%).
• Implemented Industrial Projects: 1,737 projects valued at RM34.3 billion creating 234,660 jobs (as of June 2026).

–NMT