Canada-Malaysia relations
On this page
Bilateral relations
Canada and Malaysia celebrated 67 years of official diplomatic relations in 2024. Our friendly ties stretch back to the beginnings of modern Malaysia. Canada was one of the first countries to establish formal diplomatic relations with the newly independent Federation of Malaya in 1957. In Malaysia, Canada is represented by the High Commission of Canada in Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur, and by an Honorary Consulate in Penang. Malaysia is represented in Canada by a High Commission in Ottawa, and a Consulate in Vancouver.
Canada and Malaysia value multilateralism and interact in several forums, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Commonwealth, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, and the World Trade Organization. Malaysia will be the Chair of ASEAN in 2025.
Trade relations
Malaysia is one of Canada’s largest bilateral merchandise trading partners in Southeast Asia. Since 2020, bilateral trade with Malaysia has increased by 24%, rising from $3.7 billion in 2020 to $4.7 billion in 2023. Canadian merchandise exports to Malaysia amounted to $1.2 billion in 2023 ($1.5 billion in 2022). Canadian imports were $3.5 billion in 2023 ($4.2 billion in 2022). Top Canadian exports included metals, farm, fishing and intermediate food products, and electronics.
As of November 29, 2022, bilateral commercial exchanges between Malaysia and Canada are bolstered by the Comprehensive Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement.
Related links
Development
Since 2017, Canada contributed over $17.4 million in international assistance to Malaysia through various bilateral and multilateral programs.
Through the High Commission of Canada in Malaysia and Canada’s Fund for Local Initiatives, Canada engages in strategic advocacy and supports programming to promote Canadian values. Partnering with Malaysian civil society organisations, areas of focus include strengthening democratic values, supporting vulnerable groups (2SLGBTQI+, women, indigenous peoples and victims of sexual violence), promoting freedom of expression, and diversity and inclusion.
Canada’s ASEAN regional development program aims to strengthen the empowerment of the poor and most vulnerable people in ASEAN countries with a particular focus on women and girls.
Related link
Defence and security
Canada and Malaysia enjoy a robust and expanding defence and security relationship. The two nations signed a Memorandum of Understanding on security cooperation in 2013 and regularly collaborate in areas including military capacity building, counterterrorism, and Weapons of Mass Destruction threat reduction, particularly Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear threat response. Canada has trained over 1,000 Malaysian first responders in how to respond safely to various threats, security incidents, and attacks.
Additionally, Malaysia is a beneficiary of the many Canadian regional counterterrorism and anti-crime initiatives in Southeast Asia. These initiatives are addressing, among other things, cyber security, foreign terrorist fighters, terrorist financing, migrant smuggling, border security, and information sharing among ASEAN members.
Members of the Malaysian Armed Forces have benefitted from Canada’s Military Training Cooperation Program since 1966. Approximately 750 officers have received training in areas including language courses, peace support operations, Women, Peace, and Security, and military professional development.
Partnerships and organizations
To develop effective responses to today’s most pressing global challenges, Canada and Malaysia work cooperatively in multilateral fora, such as:
- Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
- Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
- International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
- The Commonwealth
- United Nations (UN)
- United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
- World Trade Organization (WTO)
- Date modified:
