THE Iskandar Development Region (Iskandar) has captured the attention of Japanese premier Shinzo Abe, who gave a personal undertaking that he would inform Japanese companies to get them to invest in the project.
Abe, according to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, described the project in southern Johor as a "brilliant idea".
Abdullah said that in his briefing to Abe on Iskandar during their meeting yesterday, he had likened southern Johor’s role and proximity to Singapore to that of Shenzen in China and Hong Kong.
"It had not only been successful but also strategic."
The prime minister, who is on a five-day visit here, said Iskandar was one area where Malaysia and Japan could co-operate further after half a century of progressive relations between both countries. "We need to look into new projects and programmes to enhance our relations."