The leaders of Malaysia and Singapore are set to formalize an agreement establishing a special economic zone linking their two nations’ border region, but the prospects for immediate economic benefits may hinge on implementation of a deal that has seen repeated delays since talks began in 2023.

SEZ, first mooted in July 2023, is pitched as a means to transform Singapore and Johor into a greater economic area and to promote cross border trade.

Malaysia and Singapore leaders have signed an agreement to create a special economic zone to attract global investment and ease the cross-border flow of goods and people