Singapore firms can be go-to partners for infrastructure projects

Singapore

AS Asian countries pursue regional collaborations to drive economic growth, Singapore has much to contribute in the way of specialised expertise and innovative solutions to infrastructure projects, said speakers at the fifth Singapore Regional Business Forum on Thursday.

In his welcome address, Singapore Business Federation (SBF) chairman SS Teo noted that companies here have a wealth of experience navigating Asean markets, making them ideal partners for foreign companies looking to invest in the region.

Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean, who delivered the opening keynote speech, added that Singapore can leverage its understanding of the region and strength as a financial centre to provide new, innovative infrastructure solutions for Asia. For instance, Singapore's expertise in structuring financing across the entire life cycle of infrastructure projects helps to match financing needs at each phase with the risk-return appetite of suitable partners. This can mean transitioning from banks to institutional investors for funding at an appropriate stage in a project. This let…