JOHOR BARU, May 16 — The Ibrahim International Business District (IIBD) project will boost Johor Baru’s competitiveness and the state’s entrepreneurial sector, says Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

The state government hoped that the IIBD, besides becoming another economic brand, would turn Johor Baru into a destination of choice for commercial and entrepreneurial activities, after Pengerang in Kota Tinggi and Iskandar Malaysia, with each having its own niche and focus.

“IIBD must create its own brand and we want it to develop and grow to be at par with other business districts such as Australia’s Sydney Central Business District (CBD) , Canada’s Downtown Toronto, China’s Beijing CBD and South Korea’s Seoul Special City,” he said before the groundbreaking ceremony for IIBD’s public facilities which was officiated by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi here today.

IIBD’s facilities would include the RM43 million Persada Annex, a pedestrian bridge and an elevated viaduct.

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Mohamed Khaled said the IIDB was supported by the Federal government through a RM250 million facilitation fund which was specifically for the construction of the PERSADA Link Bridge and the elevated viaduct.

Meanwhile, the Persada Annex, a Bumiputera-only retail area, would be funded and developed by Johor Corporation (JCorp).

Boasting 83,000 square feet and 200 units of retail space, it aimed to support and encourage Bumiputera entrepreneurs in their business.

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The retail area was in addition to the 82 retail units allocated for Bumiputera entrepreneurs by JCorp at the Galleria@Kotaraya mall and KOMTAR JBCC Mall.

“These initiatives are testimony to the state government’s commitment and determination to help Bumiputera entrepreneurs become successful.

“We no longer want to see Bumiputera entrepreneurs operate small-time businesses in the village. They must be bold enough to venture into the city and aspire to build successful business empires,” said Mohamed Khaled.

Located at the centre of the Johor Baru city, the 101-hectare IIBD is intended to boost the state’s economic activities and become an integrated commercial development. — Bernama