ISKANDAR PUTERI: Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi is optimistic about the state's potential to replicate the achievement by Shenzhen, becoming a thriving Special Economic Zone (SEZ) comparable to China's third-largest city.
Onn Hafiz said Shenzhen, which transformed from a small fishing village into a high-tech international metropolis within four decades, is a testament to the possibilities which the state could achieve with the SEZ.
Its population skyrocketed from 300,000 to 17 million, surpassing Hong Kong with a GDP of nearly US$300 billion.
Shenzhen now stands as the third-largest city in China.
However, he acknowledged that realising these results requires collaboration and support from all parties, including the Singaporean and federal governments.
Onn Hafiz emphasised that one of the primary objectives of establishing the Johor-Singapore SEZ is to facilitate the movement of people, goods, and services between the two countries, ultimately promoting ease of doing business.
This, he believes, will boost trade value, increase job opportunities, attract investments, and ensure efficient administration.
The state government has actively engaged investors in high-tech industry sectors, including electrical and electronics, pharmaceuticals, electric vehicles, automotive parts and components, agriculture, horticulture, and renewable energy.
To ensure the success of the SEZ, enticing incentives are being offered to attract key players.
"In the special zone, we are providing multiple entry visas, special passes with green lanes, special tax incentives, exemptions for business licenses, robust infrastructure, and a skilled and knowledgeable workforce," he said.
Onn Hafiz also highlighted Johor's strategic location, proximity to international ports, and available land for development as key factors that make it an ideal choice for establishing a Special Economic Zone poised for remarkable success.