Malaysia now allows majority Australian ownership in a range of services industries, including telecommunications, insurance, education, tourism, research and development, accountancy and mining-related services.

Significantly, Australian services providers are guaranteed the right to:

• 70 per cent ownership in higher education services provided by privately funded institutions, increasing to 100 per cent by 2015;
• 70 per cent ownership in a range of other education services;
• 70 per cent ownership in investment banking and direct insurance services;
• at least 70 per cent ownership in all telecommunications services;
• 100 per cent ownership in accounting, auditing and bookkeeping services;
• 100 per cent ownership in providers of management consulting services (excluding financial management consulting); and
• 51 per cent ownership in taxation services.

Australian services exporters also benefit from:

• more business executives and senior managers able to work in Malaysia, and to stay for longer periods;
• the establishment of a framework for mutual recognition of qualifications and licencing for professionals; and
• stronger protections for trademarks and copyright.

For more information see MAFTA Trade in Services Fact Sheet for Business.

Information correct as of 16 January 2013