Forging A New Relationship

The European Union, a political and economic bloc of 27 countries, is undoubtedly a global superpower. As the 3rd largest trading partner in Malaysia, the importance of its relationship to this country cannot be understated. Yet, there still has been no free trade agreement signed despite negotiations having started in 2010. H.E. Michalis Rokas, the newly appointed Ambassador of the European Union to Malaysia, tells us what are the stumbling blocks to this and their position on palm oil, which remains a contentious issue for both countries.