The Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) welcomes the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Malaysia and Singapore on the establishment of Johore-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), cementing both countries’ steadfast commitment in strengthening their enduring relations to deepen bilateral economic ties and forge regional economic collaborations.

We expect the JS-SEZ to bolster the trade and investment, tourism, people-to-people connectivity, and foster a strong, sustainable and mutually beneficial partnership between Malaysia and Singapore. With its strategic location in ASEAN, JS-SEZ is well positioned to connect both countries’ investors and businesses as well as foreign investors to new opportunities from the increasing border trade and rapid economic growth in the region.

Both Malaysia and Singapore can complement and reinforce each other to achieve optimal investment returns and economic value, leveraging on both countries’ strength and resources. Singapore has a deep talent pool and technology, strong innovation ecosystem and investment flows, while Johor has the manpower, cost advantages relative to Singapore, land resources, and connectivity with the rest of the states in Peninsular Malaysia.

Johore and Singapore can identify mutual benefits and clearly define responsibilities in the proper planning and implementation of the JS-SEZ development framework. We believe that a comprehensive planning and effective implementation, especially with a high level of commitment from top leadership will ensure the success of J-S SEZ.

President of the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM), Senator Tan Sri Dato’ Low Kian Chuan said that the chamber has submitted a proposal paper on the establishment of S-J SEZ. Amongst these include the main focus of the SEZ, strategic framework and enablers as well as identification of sectors and industries.

The strategic framework and enablers are effective management; legal, regulatory and institutional; business environment and taxation; technology and innovation; infrastructure and connectivity; talent and human capital; and supporting industries, especially SMEs. In particular, we have to streamline doing business regulations and customs clearance to reduce costs of doing business; smoothen border connectivity; and a highly effective one stop agency staffed by competent high-grade officers to address every aspect of investment and business facilitation.

While both governments are playing a pivotal role in facilitating the development of JS-SEZ, it is crucial that the Taskforce/Committee overseeing it to have regular constructive communications, feedback and engagements with the business community, working together for ensuring the JS-SEZ success, leading to better outcomes.

The ACCCIM looks forward to participating in the engagement process in the development of J-S SEZ. On this note, we are pleased to inform that the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) and the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI) have established a Joint Steering Committee for Cooperation and Consultation (JSCCC) to share feedback and ideas and offer recommendations to the respective Governments regarding policies, facilities and regulations with the aim of improving the business operating environment in Malaysia and Singapore.