The UK government is promoting a digital trade agreement with Malaysia that includes artificial intelligence.

A British government report mentions its new trade agreement with Malaysia through the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and its plan to negotiate a digital trade agreement. 

Since December 2024, the UK has been part of the CPTPP, a free trade agreement (FTA) that includes 11 members: Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam.

Digital trade agreement

According to the British government, the UK is seeking to promote an ambitious digital trade agreement with Malaysia. The goal: to strengthen the rules of the digital environment. In addition, the aim is to ensure that companies benefit from robust protection of personal data and intellectual property.

At the same time, the agreement aims for more efficient and lower-cost trade through the adoption of digital trading systems. It also envisages greater cooperation in emerging technologies. Among these, artificial intelligence stands out.

TIPAT is one of the largest free trade areas in the world, accounting for 14% of global GDP (according to 2025 data). 

Thanks to TIPAT, the UK has signed free trade agreements with Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam for the first time and will also see advances that exceed those of many of the bilateral agreements it already has with TIPAT parties.

The UK aims to promote the growth of TIPAT and welcomes the progress made in Costa Rica’s accession process. 

Following the Ministerial Meeting in Jeju, Republic of Korea, the Malaysian government reaffirmed its commitment to move forward in a timely manner with discussions on other membership applications. 

ASEAN

The United Kingdom is actively participating in the first comprehensive review of the RCEP. The exercise assesses its implementation. It also reviews its level of utilization. In addition, it analyzes possible updates or extensions to the agreement.

At the same time, the Malaysian government recognizes the importance of moving forward. It therefore welcomes the continuation of work on future TIPAT dialogues with the European Union and ASEAN as soon as possible.

ASEAN is the organization that brings together the countries of Southeast Asia. Its objective is to promote the cultural, economic, and political development of the region. It is made up of 10 countries: Burma, Brunei, Cambodia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.