JOHOR BAHRU – Singapore’s Minister for National Development, Desmond Lee, and Malaysia’s Economy Minister, Rafizi Ramli, convened on Nov 7 to advance discussions on the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). The talks, part of the Malaysia-Singapore Joint Ministerial Committee for Iskandar Malaysia (JMCIM) held at Johor Bahru’s Amari Hotel, aimed to refine the draft JS-SEZ Joint Agreement for formal signing at the upcoming 11th Malaysia-Singapore Leaders’ Retreat.
The meeting, co-chaired by Lee and Rafizi, included key figures such as Johor’s Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi and Singapore’s Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat. Discussions focused on boosting business synergies, easing trade and mobility, and fostering talent development, underscoring the zone’s envisioned mutual benefits.
The JS-SEZ, announced in October 2023, is set to span 3,505 sq km in southern Johor, incorporating areas like Iskandar Malaysia and Pengerang. This zone aims to strengthen economic ties between the neighboring nations through integrated business and investment frameworks.