As part of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JSSEZ) initiative, Malaysia and Singapore are considering a passport-free QR code system to speed up land immigration clearance. It aims to strengthen economic ties and facilitate cross-border business operations between the two countries.
Beyond passport-free customs clearance, additional measures are being considered to streamline Singapore-based businesses operating in Johor, such as digitizing cargo clearance at land checkpoints.
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed on 11 January 2024 between Singapore’s Minister of Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong and Malaysia’s Minister of Economy Mohd Rafizi Ramli to improve economic ties between Singapore and Malaysia. it was done. Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim attended.
Learn more about the MoU between Singapore and Malaysia
The MoU between Singapore and Malaysia marks a significant step forward in bilateral relations, following the 10th Singapore-Malaysia Leaders’ Retreat in October 2023. This comes at a critical time, given Singapore’s position as the second-largest foreign investor in Johor from January to 2023. June 2022.
According to reports Straits Times, both countries see the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JSSEZ) as an “unprecedented opportunity” to improve immigration and cross-border business activities. Malaysia’s Economy Minister Mohd Rafizi Ramli said the country envisions seamless movement of goods and people, ultimately strengthening the region’s business ecosystem. “This initiative marks the beginning of a transformative chapter in our economic relations,” Ramli said, expressing confidence in promoting “unparalleled connectivity and prosperity between our two countries.”
Singapore’s Minister of Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong expressed a similar opinion, emphasizing the potential of JSSEZ. He believes this will act as a bridge, allowing both countries to “leverage each other’s complementary strengths and seize opportunities to grow together.” This collaboration between the government and the business community shows what Singapore and Malaysia can achieve when they work together, he added.
(Feature image credit: Afifi Zulkifle/Unsplash)
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