JOHOR BAHRU: After signing an agreement in 2011 as friendship cities, Johor Bahru and Shantou in China’s Guangdong Province recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for a second time after 13 years to enhance collaboration and promote friendly ties.

The signing of MoU between Johor Bahru mayor Datuk Mohd Noorazam Osman and Shantou Municipal Committee Secretary Wen Zhanbin last Saturday was to enhance collaboration in culture, education, trade, tourism, technology and arts between the two cities.

Through the smart partnership, Mohd Noorazam said the Johor Bahru City Council (MBJB) would focus on developing Johor Bahru into a smart, modern and sustainable city by learning from each other.

Mohd Noorazam said that way back in 1892, Johor’s Sultan Abu Bakar received a twin dragon medal from the Qing Dynasty Emperor, proving the friendship between the two countries.

In addition, Malaysia and China are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of formal diplomatic ties this year.

Mohd Noorazam believed the signing of MoU would consolidate mutual friendship and enhance collaboration between the two cities.

“Although Shantou and Johor Baru City Council are different in structures and policies, as local governments, we can share the operation modes in the management of smart city, green technology, sustainable development, low-carbon agenda, cultural and education,” he said.

Mohd Noorazam, who is visiting Shenzhen soon, hopes to visit Shantou to learn more about the development in this special economic zone.

Wen described the relationship between the two councils as that of old friends.

“It is like revisiting an old friend, and it feels good,” he said.

“There are many Chinese people in Johor Bahru originally hailing from the city of Shantou, and this will facilitate seamless communication between businesses from both sides in order to have more opportunities to expand,” he said.

As Johor Bahru is close to Singapore, Wen believes Shantou can push for bilateral collaboration faster since data centres are mushrooming in Johor Bahru while Shantou is actively involved in the production chain of batteries.