Singapore and Malaysia Make Progress in Discussions on Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone

Nov 7, 2024

Special Meeting of the Malaysia-Singapore Joint Ministerial Committee for Iskandar Malaysia convened to advance discussions on the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), and agrees to refresh structure to strengthen cooperation within JS-SEZ and beyond

The Malaysia-Singapore Joint Ministerial Committee for Iskandar Malaysia (JMCIM) held a special meeting on 7 November 2024 in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. The meeting was co-chaired by Malaysia’s Minister of Economy YB Rafizi Ramli and Singapore’s Minister for National Development, Mr. Desmond Lee. Also present were Johor’s Menteri Besar Dato’ Onn Hafiz Ghazi and Singapore’s Minister for Transport, Mr. Chee Hong Tat. Senior officials from both countries were also in attendance.

The JMCIM special meeting was convened to advance discussions on the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). The meeting discussed the draft JS-SEZ Joint Agreement, which Malaysia and Singapore will work towards signing during the 11th Malaysia-Singapore Leaders’ Retreat. The JS-SEZ aims to bring mutual benefits to businesses and people from both countries, including enhancing the flow of goods and people, improving the ease of doing business, and supporting talent development.

Looking ahead, the JMCIM will also work towards refreshing its organising structure in the coming year to better support the ambition and development of the JS-SEZ, while reinforcing bilateral cooperation on other fronts, such as transport and the environment.

The JMCIM looks forward to convening again in 1H 2025 in Malaysia to sustain the positive momentum of bilateral collaboration.