MALAYSIA, SINGAPORE TO SET UP COMMITTEE TO STRENGTHEN BILATERAL COORDINATION AND DRIVE JS-SEZ

“This transition reflects the deepening and widening scope of bilateral cooperation, particularly in ensuring the JS-SEZ is comprehensive and competitive in attracting global investments,” the statement said.

Both countries also agreed to establish working groups to discuss matters related to the JS-SEZ, transportation, and other future areas of cooperation, which will report to the Joint Ministerial Committee (JMC).

The updated terms of reference will be refined further and tabled at the inaugural meeting of the JSCMC, proposed for the second half of 2026.

As the concluding meeting for JMCIM, the committee reviewed its achievements since its establishment in 2007, having carried out more than 45 strategic initiatives and projects through six working groups.

These initiatives have supported sustainable economic growth, enhanced connectivity, strengthened human capital development, and deepened people-to-people ties between Malaysia and Singapore.

The statement added that these collective efforts have contributed significantly to the development of Iskandar Malaysia and reinforced the broader bilateral economic partnership.

The meeting also received an update on the progress of the Joint Working Committee (JWC), responsible for operationalising the JS-SEZ, including the process in the drafting of the economic zone blueprint and masterplan.

The two countries also noted ongoing progress toward ratifying the JS-SEZ Agreement, including the required domestic processes on each side. “Both sides noted that this development will facilitate the implementation of the JS-SEZ, once the agreement enters into force, (this will) further strengthen economic integration and deliver tangible benefits to businesses and communities in both countries,” the statement said.

— BERNAMA

TAGS: JMCIM, JSCMC, Malaysia, Singapore, JS-SEZ, Amir Hamzah Azizan