BMCC and DBT Roundtable on the UK-Malaysia Digital Trade Agreement (DTA)

The BMCC recently hosted a roundtable discussion between our members and representatives from the UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT) to exchange perspectives on the proposed UK-Malaysia Digital Trade Agreement (DTA) and its potential implications for businesses operating across both markets.

The session featured Ayesha Ali, Chief Negotiator for Policy Negotiation & Implementation, and Jan Cole, Head of Telecoms & Digital Trade at the DBT. They outlined the UK’s approach to Digital Trade Agreements, highlighting the DTA as a standalone digital trade framework designed to be flexible, targeted, and quicker to negotiate with partners prioritised for their digital trade readiness.

Key objectives of the agreement include reducing shipment times, minimising reliance on paper-based documentation, and lowering operational and transaction costs.
During the discussion, BMCC members shared insights on Malaysia’s digital trade landscape, highlighting ongoing challenges such as reliance on paper-based processes, fragmented digital governance, limited data transparency, and data localisation requirements. They also addressed sector-specific issues relating to duties and customs, cybersecurity, and fintech.

The BMCC thanks the DBT team for sharing their expertise and insights. We remain committed to supporting dialogue between policymakers and the business community, ensuring that industry perspectives contribute to shaping practical and forward-looking digital trade frameworks that strengthen UK-Malaysia economic collaboration.