JOHOR BARU: The Johor government is organising its first ever large-scale exposition called "Progressive Johor Expo" next month, that will highlight the state government's success stories of the past 60 years and its way forward.
State Tourism, Domestic Trade and Consumerism Committee chairman Datuk Tee Siew Keong said the Oct 6-14 event at the state administrative centre in Kota Iskandar will highlight Johor as an economic powerhouse in Malaysia.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak is expected to launch the expo, while his deputy Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is slated to attend its closing ceremony.
Tee said early estimates showed the expo could attract at least half a million people and showcase all the services that is provided for the people, plans, policies and what is in store for Johoreans in the future.
He said it was the first time the Johor government is holding an expo highlighting its achievements through history, including the developments that the people have enjoyed under the reign of the five Sultans of modern Johor and the rapid development in the six decades after Merdeka.
There will be exhibits, showcases and many side event held throughout on the nine days of the expo, which will be held at the main square of Dataran Mahkota in Kota Iskandar, Iskandar Puteri.
During the opening, Najib will launch the Johor Sustainability Policy and Iskandar Regional Development Authority's Bus Rapid Transit.
Exhibits are divided into three main "clusters" of themes, namely the State Government, Johor Strategic Development Plan and the Sectoral Cluster.
"The state government cluster will showcase the history of the Johor Sultanate and achievements, plans and initiatives that the state government has taken in administration and development.
"The Johor Strategic Development Plan exhibit highlights achievements and specific development plans for each of Johor's 10 districts; while the Sectoral cluster will highlight various incentives, schemes and services offered by state government agencies participating in the expo," said Tee in a press conference today to promote one of the side events for the expo, Karnival Muafakat Johor.
Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin conducted a pre-launch for the expo in Pasir Gudang on Aug 31.
Tee urged Johorean small and medium entrerprise’s and homegrown businesses and companies to participate in the Karnival Muafakat Johor to promote their products and services.
"There are at least 50 slots for traders and companies and so far, many big names such as Econsave hypermarket, Aeon Big
expand their networking
He said the Karnival Muafakat Johor 2017 will be held from Oct 12-14, which is the last three days of the Progressive Johor Expo.
Tee said this was the second Karnival Muafakat Johor since May, and it was trade fair and community event to help in the state government's efforts to handle the issue of the rising cost of living by encouraging people to buy more Made in Malaysia products.
At least 50 big name retailers such as Econsave, Aeon Big, The Store, Yeo Hiap Seng, Nestle and F&N have confirmed their participation.
He said the is was in addition to the 120 state government agencies and organisations taking part in the Progressive Johor Expo.
"We expect 50,000 visitors to come to the carnival and target a total sales of RM500,000. Sales of essential items at lower prices as well as exhibitions, games and a consumer awareness campaign will be held," he said.