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- Iskandar Regional Development Authority’s collaboration with Mizuho Bank is aimed at creating mutually beneficial opportunities for sustainable growth, prosperity, and regional competitiveness.
KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 2): The Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) and Mizuho Bank (Malaysia) Bhd have formalised a collaboration through the exchange of a letter of intent (LOI) to strengthen investment opportunities within the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ).
As part of its commitment, Mizuho Bank will provide close to US$600 million (RM2.52 billion) in financing support for clients investing in the zone. IRDA, the designated facilitation agency for the JS-SEZ, will work alongside the bank, one of Japan’s largest and most established financial institutions, to accelerate investment realisation and meet investor needs.
In a statement on Wednesday, both parties said the partnership is aimed at creating mutually beneficial opportunities for sustainable growth, prosperity, and regional competitiveness.
Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan (pictured), who also serves as the acting minister of economy, said that Mizuho Bank had noted investor interest in sectors such as food and beverage manufacturing, data centres, power generation, and chemical-related manufacturing.
He added that the collaboration, which will focus on four key areas—financing support, promotion, events, and market intelligence—will reinforce the JS-SEZ’s role as a driver of inclusive economic growth.
“Continuous strategic partnerships are vital for attracting high-value investments, strengthening cross-border connectivity, and creating opportunities that benefit Johor as well as Malaysia,” Amir Hamzah said.
He also recalled that in May 2025, the JS-SEZ secured strategic collaborations with six other financial institutions, further underscoring the importance of financial sector involvement.
The minister noted that the latest LOI sends a strong message of Malaysia’s readiness to advance catalytic projects within the JS-SEZ. “Financial institutions continue to play a key role in the growth of JS-SEZ by enhancing visibility, strengthening investor confidence, and providing the necessary financial backbone to the region. This LOI is a clear signal to the world that Malaysia is serious, Johor is ready, and together with Singapore, we will make JS-SEZ a success.”
The JS-SEZ, a landmark initiative under Malaysia’s economic cooperation framework with Singapore, is designed to promote cross-border collaboration and boost the region’s economic competitiveness.
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