24-2-2024 (KUALA LUMPUR) Malaysia and Singapore are set to engage in discussions next month to advance the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), according to state executive councillor Lee Ting Han. The meeting aims to provide updates and facilitate negotiations towards a comprehensive agreement by the fourth quarter of this year.
The chairman of Johor’s investment, trade, consumer affairs, and human resources committee stated that the upcoming meeting, scheduled for March, would delve into various aspects of the JS-SEZ. The parameters for these talks were established in the memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed between the two nations last month.
A prelude to the bilateral discussions, an internal meeting chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled for February 28 in Johor. This session will allow the Prime Minister to gather insights from federal and state governments, aiding in finalizing positions before engaging in negotiations with Singapore.
Key topics on the agenda include the QR code clearance system, digitalized cargo clearance, and collaborative training programs. Lee emphasized the need for clarity on systems related to QR code passport clearance and cargo clearance, whether developed individually or jointly.
“The Prime Minister’s active role in driving negotiations on the JS-SEZ demonstrates the government’s commitment to establishing the economic zone,” said Lee. However, he indicated that issues such as the recent power outage at the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex (BSI CIQ) were unlikely to be discussed in the upcoming meeting, as they have already been addressed at the state government level.
The JS-SEZ MOU, signed on January 11, marked progress following the 10th Singapore-Malaysia Leaders’ Retreat in October. Anwar and Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong had then agreed to jointly develop the economic zone. Initiatives outlined in the MOU include a passport-free QR code clearance system, digitized cargo processes, a business and investment hub in Johor, training programs, and joint promotion events.
