KBank pushes investment in ASEAN
These countries have high potential due to the growth rates of the first three and the strong infrastructure base in Singapore, he said. Vasin Vanichvoranun, an executive vice-president, said Indonesia, Vietnam, Myanmar and Singapore should be targets for regional expansion.
By KBank’s analysis, Indonesia ranks as the most attractive investment country among the 10 ASEAN members, followed by Vietnam, Singapore and Myanmar.
The analysis included four criteria: economic size, ease of doing business, size of foreign direct investment and focus of corporate business investment.
Attractions for Indonesia, Vietnam and Myanmar are growing domestic consumption and large populations, abundant resources and strategic locations.
Singapore’s government policy is to support foreign investment, and it is a financial center for many corporations within ASEAN.
The analysis found four business sectors are interested in cross-border investment: industrial agriculture, food and beverage, construction and construction materials, and chemicals.
The analysis is based on customer focus, sectors that could be promoted for the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in 2015, the strategic focus of corporate clients, and impact of the value chain.
’’There have been about 400 global projects with investments of 1.5 trillion baht from these four key Thai industries the past three years. These industries see the potential in expanding in other ASEAN countries to prepare for AEC in 2015,’’ said Mr. Vasin.
Moreover, he said KBank is ready to provide both financial and non-financial support to corporate customers wishing to invest in the regional market, utilizing industry specialist teams and 10 regional partner banks.
Mr. Vasin said the first step is advice for customers interested in regional expansion, followed by financial support.
Offshore loans represent only a marginal portion of KBank’s total outstanding corporate debt of 368 billion baht. The loan portfolio is expected to increase to 389 billion by year-end or 8% growth, contributing to total income growth of 13% this year, said Mr. Vasin.
