Johor-Singapore SEZ framework in final discussion phase

JOHOR BARU: The framework for the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) is currently in the final phase of discussions and is expected to be finalised in September, says Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.

The Johor Mentri Besar expressed his gratitude to all the ministries and agencies involved in developing the JS-SEZ.

“Armed with confidence in Johor’s strong geographical position, infrastructure including ports, airport, and roads as well as investor-friendly policies, I am confident that this JS-SEZ development can be realised.

“Sufficient manpower, ease of doing business, and good connectivity are among the main factors that are being worked on to make the JS-SEZ a success,” he said in a Facebook post on Thursday (July 11).

Onn Hafiz added that these were among the matters he shared during a JS-SEZ investment forum, organised by the Economy Ministry, held in Kuala Lumpur.

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He said the forum, which brings together about 200 stakeholders, was to discuss opportunities, challenges, strategies, and cooperation that can be forged to implement the JS-SEZ framework.

Onn Hafiz also added that through such forums, he shared Johor’s aspiration to be ‘the next Shenzhen of Southeast Asia’.

“Taking the success story of Shenzhen as a ‘role model’, we are ready to transform Johor into a state comparable to Shenzhen’s success.

“The provision of job opportunities with high wages for the people of Johor and Malaysia as a whole, increasing household income, promoting economic growth, and bridging the gap in people’s living standards are also the main focus,” he said.