Mizuho Bank Commits Nearly US$600 Mln To Support JS-SEZ -- Amir Hamzah

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 1 (Bernama) -- Mizuho Bank (Malaysia) Bhd is committed to supporting the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), providing nearly US$600 million (US$1=RM4.2) in financing for clients investing in the area.

Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, who also serves as the acting minister of economy, said the bank noted investment interests in food and beverage manufacturing, data centres, power generation, and chemical-related manufacturing.

"Financial institutions like Mizuho Bank play crucial roles in building investors’ confidence, enhancing visibility and opening new channels of investment," he said in his keynote address during the exchange of the letter of intent between the Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) and Mizuho Bank here today.

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Also present were Ministry of Economy secretary-general Datuk Nor Azmie Diron, IRDA chief executive Datuk Mohd Noorazam Osman, Mizuho Financial Group Inc and Mizuho Bank Ltd managing executive officer and chief executive officer for Asia-Pacific Koichi Zaiki. 

IRDA serves as the facilitation agency for investments into the JS-SEZ, while Mizuho Bank is one of Japan’s largest and most established financial services institutions.

“With IRDA as facilitator and Mizuho Bank (Malaysia) Bhd as a trusted financial partner, we are confident that the JS-SEZ will attract new investments, create jobs and strengthen Malaysia’s role as a regional economic hub,” said Amir Hamzah.

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He added that a continuous strategic partnership is essential for attracting high-value investments, strengthening cross-border connectivity and creating opportunities that benefit not only Johor but also Malaysia.

He also said that in May 2025, the JS-SEZ secured strategic partnerships with six financial institutions.

Amir Hamzah said Mizuho Bank was uniquely positioned to channel catalytic projects into the 11 promoted sectors of JS-SEZ through its extensive network of Japanese clients. 

"We believe that this initiative would translate the real benefits to the rakyat as a whole. For example, when a Japanese automotive manufacturer sets up its plant here, it not only creates high-skilled engineering jobs but also opportunities for our local small and medium-sized enterprises to supply components and services," he said.

For investors, this means a more supportive ecosystem, easier access to financing and faster facilitation of projects.

Koichi said a pipeline of 10 to 20 Japanese companies had expressed interest in coming to JS-SEZ. 

-- BERNAMA