古来早期的经济活动，以种植、收割油棕、橡胶为主。近十几年来，随着区内大兴土木建造了许多房屋、商店及厂房单位后，也带动当地工商业的进一步发展，继而令古来的经济发展版图进一步扩大。
从古来的发展轨迹看来，推动此县区发展的6个主要因素，既有：
In ancient times, the early economic activities were mainly planting and harvesting of oil palm and rubber. In the past ten years, the construction of houses, shops and factories in the area has greatly promoted the further development of the local industry and commerce, hence expanded the economic development of Kulai.
From the perspective of Kulai development, the six main factors that promote Kulai are:
1: 得天独厚的地理环境 Strategic location
古来距离柔州首府新山仅15公里，区内交通四通八达，高速公路网络完善；例如北上首都吉隆坡、南下邻国新加坡的各主要通道，包括南北大道、马新第二通道或新柔长堤都近在咫尺，继而为古来的经济发展创造了有利的条件。
Kulai is only 15 kilometers away from Johor Bahru. The area has an extensive transportation and highway network. North-South Expressway, Malaysia-Singapore Second Link are all close by and within easy reach, which in turn created a favorable condition for the economic development to grow over the years.
2: 各类商城与工业园林立 Various shopping malls and industrial parks
古来区内除了建有赫赫有名的柔佛国际名牌商城外，四周更有规模不一的购物商场如永旺广场、古来综合广场及特易购霸级市场等等，为消费者提供不同的购物选择，同时也带来更多的就业机会。
与此同时，随着区内工业的发展，单在古来县如今已设立超过10个工业区，包括优美城工业区、士乃工业园、士乃慕尼工业区等等，其间落成且颇具规模、闻名海内外的大型工厂，包括：伟创力（Flextronics International Ltd）、好时（Hershey Malaysia Sdn Bhd）以及兴建中的微软数据中心（Microsoft data centre）。
In addition to the prestigious Johor Premium Outlets in Kulai, there are various shopping malls around the area, such as Aeon Mall, Kulai Centre Point and Lotus’s Kulai, providing consumers with different shopping choices, and also bring in more job opportunities.
At the same time, with the development of the industry, there are more than 10 industrial areas has been established in Kulai, including Indahpura, Taman Perindustrian Senai, Taman Perindustrian Murni Senai, and well-known large factories, including: Flextronics International Ltd, Hershey Malaysia Sdn Bhd and Microsoft data centre.
3: 物流、生物与资讯科技的发展 Development of logistics, biology and information technology
配合新时代科技与网络通讯的不断进步，柔州政府近年来已积极推动物流、生物与资讯科技的发展，这无形中可吸引相关行业的海内外投资者进驻古来。
With the continuous advancement of technology and network communication in the new era, the Johor government has actively promoted the development of logistics, biology and information technology in the recent years, which invisibly attracts domestic and overseas investors from related industries to invest in Kulai.
4: 古来县行政中心的落成启用 The establishment of Administrative Centre of Kulai jaya District
柔州政府耗资数千万令吉建成的古来县行政中心启用并对外开放后，不仅能提升公共系统的服务效率，更有助于推动区内的经济转型。
Built by the Johor government at a cost of tens of millions of ringgit, the Administrative Centre of Kulaijaya District not only improves the efficiency of the public system, but also help to promote the economic transformation in the area.
5: 越提打工族与邻国过境客的涌入 The influx of foreign workers and transit passengers from neighboring countries
在新冠肺炎疫情爆发前，每逢周末或假日，总不难发现来自邻国新加坡的消费者或趁假期回国度假、探亲的当地人，纷纷涌入古来观光、尝美食、消费、购物，从而带旺了当地各行业商贩的生意。
Before the outbreak of Covid-19, consumers from Singapore or locals who returned to visit relatives would flock to Kulai during weekends or holidays for sightseeing, food, expenditure and shopping, creating a prosperous business for the local suppliers in various industries.
6: 人口持续增长 The continuous growth of population
根据我国人口普查资料显示，古来区的人口截至今年已达63万。随着人口不断增加，劳动力日益加强，无疑将有助带动古来的经济发展。
According to census data, the population of Kulai District has reached 630,000 in 2020; The in-creasing population and increasing work force will undoubtedly help to promote the economic development of Kulai.