Singaporean investment fund Makara Capital seeks investment opportunities in Hanoi

Singapore-based capital firm Makara Capital hopes to put its extensive experience in infrastructure, innovation and energy projects to use in Hanoi, CEO Ali Ijaz Ahmad said on Thursday.

Meeting with Hanoi Chairman Tran Sy Thanh, Ahmad said Vietnam is attracting more and more international investors thanks to its expanding market size and improved investment environment.

With a strong focus on infrastructure, Makara Capital has implemented projects with a total investment of up to $23 billion in airport and seaport construction worldwide, Ahmad said.

The firm is also engaged in the energy sector with large-scale projects in Indonesia and the U.S., and it is joining the global trend of expanding activities in green energy fields, such as developing batteries for electric vehicles.

Ahmad said Makara Capital is seeking opportunities in public-private partnership (PPP) projects related to research and startup programs, building innovation ecosystems, and spreading new technologies.

He said development prospects, supply chains and the ability to optimize production costs are criteria for the firm in deciding whether or not to invest in a country.

It prioritizes maintaining close cooperation with local governments in the destination country to identify opportunities and expand investment portfolios, he added.

He expressed a desire to learn about the vision and development goals of Hanoi, especially regarding innovation and collaboration with localities to enhance economic development and supply chains.

He also wanted know more about the capital city’s intellectual property protection regimen.

For his part, Thanh said Hanoi has a strong, young, skilled workforce as it is home to many universities and research centers.

“The city also prioritizes facilitating trade activities and high-tech development, and fostering a startup ecosystem,” he said, noting that the city’s Hoa Lac High-Tech Park is calling for the engagement of high-tech companies, including large global partners.

Hanoi is striving to enhance its role as a growth driver for the northern economic region and the entire country through active linkages and creating conditions for research and development.

“Innovative startups, green industry and new technologies are top development priorities for Hanoi at this time,” he added.