NUSAJAYA: Johor is hoping to tap into various large scale industries from China, especially in the manufacturing sector.
Johor Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (JACCCI) vice-president Datuk Tan Seng Leong said the association was bullish and is on the look out for suitable land in the state to accomodate demand from Chinese investors.
"There has been a lot of demand from Chinese investors to set up their operations in Johor," said Tan.
According to Tan, with the rising costs of operation and labour, including the increase in utility tariff in China, Johor was particularly attractive to Chinese investors.
Tan said for large scale industries from China to grow in Johor, there is a need for a bigger land area estimated at around 1,200 to 2,000 hectare to accomodate demand.
"We are currently on the lookout for suitable land for this purpose and we are focusing on areas which have the necessary facilities and amenities in the Iskandar Malaysia region," Tan said.
He was speaking after the signing of a memorandum of understanding between JACCCI and the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI) at Jen Hotel recently.
The signing was witnessed by Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar. Also present was state Tourism, Domestic Trade, Consumerism and Cooperative executive committee chairman Datuk Tee Siew Kiong.
SCCCI president Chua Kee Seng said there are more than 200 Singaporean based companies that had set up their bases in Johor.
"All the companies are located in Nusajaya and within the Iskandar Malaysia region as it provides a conducive mobility and logistisc environment for Singaporean investors," he said.
Tee commended the relationship between the two business entities which will strengthen ties and provide a platform for investors to exchange information and establish networking.
He said up until June this year, 70.5 per cent of investors who came to Johor were from Singapore and are involved in various sectors including manufacturing, food processing and hospitality.
"This further sealed our economic standing as a South East Asian economic power house," he said.