The third round of negotiations for a free trade agreement between Korea and Malaysia is held in Seoul, Sep. 4, 2019. Newsis

Korea's industry ministry said Tuesday that it has launched the sixth round of negotiations with Malaysia for a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) as part of efforts to broaden its trade portfolio and enhance cooperation with the partner country.

The latest round of talks for an FTA kicked off earlier Tuesday to be held for four days via teleconferencing, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

The two sides plan to focus on making progress in negotiations across 11 sectors, including goods, services, investment, economic cooperation and the digital industry, the ministry added.

In March 2024, the two nations agreed to resume the talks after a five-year hiatus.

Korea already has an FTA with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), but it is seeking to deepen economic ties with individual members through separate free trade deals. (Yonhap)