ISKANDAR PUTERI: Key policies for the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) were refined at a meeting in Kuala Lumpur recently.
The meeting, held at Parliament on Nov 5 and chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, discussed current and future development priorities, key economic sectors and specific areas within JS-SEZ for promotional efforts, among others.
Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said incentive packages aimed at attracting foreign investments were tabled, along with initiatives to elevate the zone's global competitiveness.
"This milestone meeting marks a critical step towards realising the economic vision for Johor and ensuring that all necessary mechanisms are in place to support this ambition.
"A blueprint to meet set timelines and ensure smooth implementation across all operational phases is crucial before the signing of agreement between Malaysia and Singapore, expected at the 11th Malaysia-Singapore Leaders' Retreat on Dec 9," Onn Hafiz said on Sunday, following the launch of Forest City as a duty-free island.
"JS-SEZ aspires to bolster cross-border economic synergy. It has the potential to create high-income jobs and attract substantial investments to Johor and the broader Malaysian economy.
"JS-SEZ will serve as a strategic platform for both Malaysia and Singapore to drive economic growth through increased cross-border exchanges, which we believe will not only enrich Johor, but also advance Malaysia's economy."
He said JS-SEZ was a landmark initiative poised to shape Malaysia-Singapore economic relations and foster a transformative economic corridor benefiting Johor, Malaysia and Singapore.
"With support from federal and state stakeholders, groundwork is being laid for an economically integrated region that serves both countries' aspirations for mutual growth and progress."
The state government, Onn Hafiz said, was confident that JS-SEZ will play a pivotal role in advancing the state's economic agenda.
"By 2030, Johor aims to transform itself into a developed region, leveraging JS-SEZ as a catalyst for sustainable economic growth.
"The state government sees the zone as a promising vehicle to elevate Johor's status, attracting international investors and strengthening its reputation as a progressive and economically viable location.
"The project aligns with Johor's 2030 vision of achieving developed-state status, aiming to enhance the living standards of Johoreans through economic expansion."
He added that several incentives to further stimulate economic activities in JS-SEZ and the Special Financial Zone will be announced during the tabling of the state's 2025 Budget on Nov 21.
Present at the meeting were Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli and his deputy Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib, Finance Minister II Senator Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong and state Investment, Trade, Consumer Affairs and Human Resources Committee chairman Lee Ting Han.
Senior federal and state officials, including chief secretaries and directors, participated to reinforce collaborative efforts in advancing the JS-SEZ initiative.