Malaysia and Singapore leaders have signed an agreement to create a special economic zone to attract global investment and ease the cross-border flow of goods and people.

In an interview with CNA, he shares the rationale behind some decisions regarding the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone and how the project aligns with his country’s vision.

The leaders of Malaysia and Singapore formalized an agreement establishing a special economic zone linking their two nations’ border region, with the aim of attracting 50 projects in the first five years of its establishment.

The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) will bring a positive transformation to the state, says Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.

Malaysia and Singapore announced on Tuesday an agreement on a special economic zone in the southern Malaysian state of Johor, aiming to support investment and free up movement of goods and people between the countries.

The JS-SEZ has a higher chance of success than past projects such as Iskandar Malaysia – launched in 2006 and conceptualised as a southern economic growth corridor – given the involvement of the Singapore Government, which brings to the table better governance, he noted.

Malaysia unveiled a slew of tax incentives to lure investors to its joint special economic zone with Singapore that seeks to add $26 billion per year to the Malaysian economy by 2030.

The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone is nearly twice the size of Shenzhen, whose success it is hoping to emulate.