JS-SEZ crucial lifeline for regional businesses amid rising trade row, says Singapore DPM
Delivering his keynote address at the JS-SEZ joint business and investment forum in the Persada Johor International Convention Centre here today, Gan said the escalating United States-China trade war had disrupted trade between the world's two largest economies, causing ripple effects on businesses in Southeast Asia.
"The JS-SEZ presents an opportunity for businesses to strengthen supply chains so they can better respond to volatility and continue growing," he said, calling the initiative "important and timely" in the face of growing global protectionism.
The JS-SEZ, encompassing 3,571sq km of southern Johor, aims to streamline cross-border investment, simplify Customs processes, and improve people and goods movement.
It targets high-impact sectors including advanced manufacturing, logistics, and the digital economy.
Gan cited examples of companies leveraging the zone's advantages, including:
* Singapore-based agritech firm Archisen Pte Ltd, which has partnered with Johor Corp's FarmByte Sdn Bhd to build a smart indoor farm in Nusajaya, and is producing about 300 tonnes of leafy greens annually.
* Singapore's Agrocorp International, in collaboration with Japan's Megmilk Snow Brand Co Ltd, is setting up a plant-protein facility in Tanjung Langsat to manufacture 6,000 tonnes of sustainable protein isolates from pulses annually.
* South Korea's SPC Group has split its operations, with a halal manufacturing plant in Johor and its research and development and headquarters based in Singapore.
Singapore has set up a dedicated JS-SEZ project office via the Trade and Industry, Enterprise Singapore and Singapore economic Development board to assist its companies in tapping the zone.
This complements Malaysia's Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre in Johor.
Gan said there was a need for Malaysia and Singapore to "double down" on connectivity, regulatory streamlining and workforce development to attract more investment, including from businesses not yet present in either country.
Present at the forum were Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, his deputy, Liew Chin Tong, and Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.
The event featured panels on regional wealth creation, investment attraction, and supply chain resilience in Asean.
Gan concluded that the JS-SEZ, by acting as a bridge between both economies, held the potential to create quality jobs and bolster the region's resilience against evolving trade dynamics.
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