The East Asia Business Council

Malaysia consists of thirteen states and three federal territories in Southeast Asia with a total landmass of 330,257

square kilometers. The capital city is Kuala Lumpur, while Putrajaya is the seat of the federal government. The population stands at over 25 million in 2007. The country is separated into two regions which is Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo. Malaysia borders Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei and the Philippines.

Malaysia is an open economy, dependent on the external trade for its economic growth. Malaysia’ global trade is more than 180% of its GDP, reflecting the significance of the external business relations. It is currently the 19th largest trading nation in the world.

Malaysia is one of the top exporters of natural rubber and palm oil. Petroleum is also a major significance in the Malaysian economy. Malaysia has been ranked 22nd in the world for its total import in 2007. The total imports of Malaysia are around USD 145 billion in 2007.

Key Economic Indicators

GDP growth - 6.3%
Unemployment rate - 3.2%
Inflation rate – 2.1%

Export commodities

Include manufactured goods (electrical and electronic products, chemical and chemical products, machinery, appliances and parts, wood products, manufactures of metal as well as optical and scientific equipment)

Import Commodities

Most of the intermediate goods, such as thermionic valves and tubes, primary and processed industrial supplies, parts and accessories of capital goods, processed fuel lubricants and parts, and accessories for transport equipment.