The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) Clean Economy Investor Forum, held at the iconic Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, was dominated by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, as stated in a press release.
The event brought together more than 60 global investors and financial institutions, showcasing India’s growing opportunities in infrastructure, clean economy, and digital transformation.
The forum witnessed the participation of a diverse range of stakeholders, including investors from the US, Singapore, Japan, Australia, Korea, and other countries, along with 15 Indian firms.
The Department of Commerce and Invest India organized the event with the aim of fostering investment ties and highlighting India’s attractive growth prospects.
During his opening speech, Sunil Barthwal, Secretary of the Department of Commerce, emphasized India’s impressive economic trajectory, highlighting that the country’s growth rate is nearly twice that of other emerging market economies.
Barthwal also drew attention to a trend known as ‘reverse flipping’, where Indian startups that had previously relocated abroad for better access to capital and tax incentives are now returning to India due to its strong economic fundamentals and supportive policy environment.
The forum provided a platform for meaningful interactions between Indian companies and global investors, featuring presentations on investment opportunities across various sectors.
According to the press release, Indian firms and institutions such as Temasek, Global Infrastructure Partners, GuarantCo, Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG), Goldman Sachs, I Squared Capital, Mizuho Bank Ltd, Advantage Partners, Nomura, DBS Bank, and Citi Bank engaged with international participants, highlighting infrastructure and climate technology solutions aimed at tapping into global markets.
Dr. Shilpak Ambule, India’s High Commissioner to Singapore, addressed the gathering and focused on the strong fundamentals that drive India’s economic growth.
Dr. Ambule emphasized the significant investments made in both physical and digital infrastructure, which are expected to have a positive impact on the economy. He also mentioned the legislative and regulatory reforms that have created a pro-market environment, making India more attractive for investments. Dr. Ambule stressed the strategic importance of India’s economic and regulatory landscape.
Invest India showcased various government initiatives aimed at attracting foreign investment, such as a thriving startup ecosystem, a skilled workforce, and policy reforms focused on transparency and improving the ease of doing business.
The presentation also highlighted India’s commitment to sustainable development and its ambitious Net Zero targets.
Ms. Nivruti Rai, the Managing Director and CEO of Invest India, emphasized India’s willingness to collaborate with global investors and innovative firms in projects related to sustainable infrastructure, climate technology, and renewable energy.
During the forum, there was a fireside chat titled “Charting India Opportunity,” where Ms. Radhika Rao, a Senior Economist and Executive Director, outlined India’s strengths, which can be summarized as the 4C’s: Consistency and Continuity in policy and reforms, increasing Capital Expenditure through government and private sector investment, a shift in trade composition towards manufacturing, and projected rising consumption levels over the next five years.
Sonal Varma, the Managing Director of Nomura, presented insights from the Nomura India report, highlighting India’s growing importance as a focal point for global investors.
Kunal Agarwal, Managing Director of I Squared, emphasized that India is currently undergoing an ‘Infrastructure Supercycle’, which plays a crucial role in driving the ongoing digital transformation.
The first-ever IPEF Clean Economy Investor Forum represented a major milestone in fostering economic collaboration within the Indo-Pacific area.
Participants from various industries stressed the significance of working together to address common obstacles and capitalize on emerging prospects for growth.
The forum shed light on the vital importance of a clean economy and robust supply chains in attaining sustainable economic progress.
