Latest news with #crossbordermobility
CNA
31-07-2025
- Business
- CNA
Johor floats second RTS link to connect Tuas and Iskandar Puteri in meeting with PM Wong
SINGAPORE: The Johor state government has proposed the possibility of a second Rapid Transit System (RTS) link connecting Tuas and Iskandar Puteri to further enhance cross-border mobility. The state's Chief Minister Onn Hafiz Ghazi said he had floated several "strategic proposals" during a meeting with Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. "In line with the regent of Johor, I have put forward several strategic proposals, including connecting Tuas to Iskandar Puteri via the RTS2 system," he said in a Facebook post on Thursday (Jul 31). A target date of December 2026 has been set for the first Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link to begin operations. Installation works for the rail system were about 56 per cent complete as of the end of June. Mr Wong also wrote about the meeting in a Facebook post, and while he made no mention of the RTS2 proposal, he lauded the "deep and long-standing partnership" between Johor and Singapore. "We're making good progress on major initiatives like the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link and the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (SEZ). These projects will boost cross-border flows, strengthen our economic linkages, and create more opportunities for our people," he said. The prime minister noted the close ties between Johor and Singapore in areas such as the economy and the environment, and welcomed even greater cooperation to "deliver real benefits on both sides of the Causeway". JOHOR-SINGAPORE SEZ Mr Onn Hafiz said that various matters relating to cooperation between Johor and Singapore were discussed during the nearly hour-long meeting at the Istana. This meeting was not just a symbol of the close ties between Singapore and Johor state, but also a reflection of their shared commitment to elevate cooperation to a "more strategic and holistic level". "During the discussion, I shared the progress of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, including the role of the Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre Johor, which is now the key facilitator for investment and policy coordination," Mr Onn Hafiz said. "To date, Johor has received more than 577 investment enquiries, with 70 investors showing serious interest, including 11 companies referred directly by Singapore investment agencies." The zone promises to fuse Singapore's strengths in research and development with Malaysia's industrial muscle and land space – if certain cross-border challenges can be resolved. He also said the state's economy had grown by 6.4 per cent – the "highest in Malaysia" – and cited investments worth RM30.1 billion (US$7.06 billion) for the first quarter of 2025. Mr Onn Hafiz said Mr Wong welcomed the progress of the Johor-Singapore SEZ and was bullish about stronger collaboration in areas like energy and logistics. He added that Mr Wong expressed openness to constructively review the proposed initiatives. "Overall, these discussions are very positive and I am confident that this meeting opens a new chapter in Johor-Singapore bilateral relations," he added.
Skift
02-07-2025
- Business
- Skift
UK Events Industry Pushes for EU Deal to Ease Post-Brexit Barriers
As Brexit fallout continues to hamper international attendance, UK event leaders are calling for targeted agreements with the EU to restore cross-border mobility and recover international business lost to red tape and rising costs. The UK events industry is urging policymakers to negotiate a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) with the European Union to ease cross-border rules that have disrupted trade shows, exhibitions, and meetings since Brexit. Britain's exit from the EU was finalized in 2020 when the two sides agreed to a trade deal. The UK' $84.7 billion events sector has seen a drop in international exhibitors and delegates due to increased red tape, visa delays, and logistical hurdles. 'Business events support trade and regional economies. The ability to operate easily across borders is essential,' said Shaun Davies, Labour MP for Telford and chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Events. Patchwork of Systems to Navigate Event professionals must now navigate 27 separate immigration systems. Each with its own short-term work requirements. Belgium, for example, requires a work permit even for visits under 90 days. These hurdles have forced some major shows to relocate. One example is ICE (International Casinos Exhibition), a major gaming industry trade show. It is relocating from London to Barcelona. Organizers cite rising costs and logistical burdens for EU-based exhibitors as a driving factor in the decision. Led by the Events Industry Alliance, the campaign seeks to restore international cooperation and position the UK as a more accessible destination for global events. A new white paper by The Business of Events outlines further recommendations. They include reopening the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement to allow for an events-specific visa exemption, issuing clear country-by-country guidance, and creating centralized support services to help professionals comply with EU work requirements. These steps, the paper argues, would help the UK stay competitive and grow in a post-Brexit world.
