Gan, who is also the minister for trade and industry, said both countries would continue to work closely to realise the full potential of the cross-border economic zone.
“We look forward to more investments in the months ahead,” he said in his keynote address at the 2nd JS-SEZ Joint Investment Forum, at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, here.
Gan outlined three priorities to strengthen the JS-SEZ: anchoring flagship projects, making it easier to do business, and ensuring inclusive growth, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and their workers.
He said Johor had designated nine flagship zones across the state, introduced a tax incentive package, and set up the Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre–Johor (IMFC-J) to help investors.
On Singapore’s side, a joint JS-SEZ project office comprising its trade and industry ministry, Economic Development Board (EDB) and EnterpriseSG has been established to ease regulatory processes and support companies operating on both sides of the Causeway.
Gan said amid slowing global trade and rising protectionist pressures, the JS-SEZ stood as a strong example of what countries could achieve when they chose cooperation over contestation and partnership over protectionism.
He said the JS-SEZ represented, to both Singapore and Malaysia, the creation of a connected business community that could grow together and compete more effectively in a changing global economy.
“Together, we are building a cross-border ecosystem that supports enterprise growth, innovation and the creation of good jobs on both sides (of the Causeway),” he said.
Gan said the partnership was already taking shape on the ground, with firms such as Singapore-based agritech company Archisen signing an MoU with Southern Catalyst earlier this morning to develop an 80.94-hectare modern agricultural hub in Sedenak, Johor.
“The project will apply indoor farming technologies to boost food production, and in doing so, contribute to the region’s food security and agritech development,” he said.
Other firms, such as ResMed, a medical technology company based in the US and Australia, also operate on both sides of the Causeway, demonstrating how the SEZ enables businesses to function as an integrated ecosystem.
The one-day forum was co-organised by Singapore and Malaysia, and attended by investment, trade and industry minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz and Johor menteri besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi.