KUALA LUMPUR: The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (J-S SEZ), inspired by China's Shenzhen and Suzhou zones, presents its own set of challenges and opportunities, says Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli.
Rafizi noted that, unlike the zones in China, the J-S SEZ involves two different countries with distinct laws and regulations.
However, he emphasised that Johor and Singapore offer complementary qualities advantageous to investors amid geopolitical conditions.
"Each of the economies, Johor in Malaysia and Singapore, have a lot of complementary elements that can offer very good value propositions to investors worldwide, especially when global companies are looking to manage their geopolitical race.
"There are significant concerns about supply chain disruptions, and the location of operations is crucial to building a more robust supply chain," he said.
With the agreement signed on Jan 6, the J-S SEZ will cover an area of 3,505sq km, including the cities and towns of Johor Baru, Iskandar Puteri, Pasir Gudang, Kulai, Pontian, and Pengerang.
The goal is to attract global firms and companies based in Singapore and Johor to expand into the J-S SEZ, leveraging Johor’s strong logistics infrastructure, including its ports, airports, and roads.
Key attractions of the special zone will include a passport-free immigration system and improved passenger rail lines to facilitate travel between Johor and Singapore.
