Censere takes a look at changing environment for FDI in infrastructure.
The development of infrastructure in the Asia ex-China region has undeniably lagged behind the strong economic growth in the region.
The projected growth for the coming decade has put infrastructure investments on the radar of foreign investors who eye it as a “Trillion Dollar Holy Grail”. However, the question remains whether foreigners can participate and capitalize on the “brick-building” of Asia.
The Asian Development Bank estimates that USD$8 trillion will be invested in the region from 2011-2020 and that approximately 10% of these projects will involve FDI; with the remainder coming from public finances or local banks.
Of the total, 80% will be earmarked for China and India. Both countries are heading the infrastructure boom in the region and most will be invested in energy and roads.
Foreign infrastructure investors that Censere have talked to perceive China as a closed market, with self sustained financing and operating capabilities, China has the balance sheet to pay for its own roads and power plants. The policy put forward by China is to protect infrastructure developers, who are often quasi SOEs, from foreign competition. This allows them to develop skillsets that can be exported to other countries in exchange for favorable investment terms, commodities or a combination of other goods and services.
Given the market conditions in China, foreign investors are looking towards the rest of Asia for better ROI alternatives. Markets like Malaysia and Thailand fall under the same umbrella as China; both possess the same financial and operating capabilities needed to sustain the growth in domestic infrastructure investments.
In contrast, the perception of India and Indonesia’s infrastructure sector is the total opposite among foreign investors. This sentiment can be attributed to the governments and leaders of India and Indonesia creating a more FDI friendly environment for infrastructure in their respective countries as outlined below.
- Tenders/projects are usually highly detailed on the technical side but light around financial terms, making the spread between bids for various projects big
- Regulation is a legal and due diligence nightmare for foreigners.
- Land acquisition processes need to be reformed as they are currently the biggest cause of delays.
Indonesia
Valuation mismatch in the region
Indonesia appears to be learning from India’s mistakes; leapfrogging their PPP structures, mimicking regulations and taking the best approaches to infrastructure investment from both China and India.Risk mitigation is also problematic for foreign investors given the strong regulations around currency exchange, particular in Vietnam.
IDF’s are often set up in local currencies, adding to the capital cost of a foreign investor looking at minimising currency risk in countries they are operating in. With an inefficient regulatory environment, non transparent financing and unknown risk factors facing infrastructure investors in the region it becomes essential to ensure that their interests are aligned with that of regional stakeholders to achieve success in the sector.
There are many options for structuring the financing of a project. These options include debt financing, equity or a combination of both. Budgeting for lobbying and partnering with NGO’s is often crucial to achieve success now that infrastructure investment involves all stakeholders in society.
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