Successfully Financing Your Infrastructure Projects

About this Video

• Video Title: Successfully Financing Your Infrastructure Projects
• Channel: Singapore Business Federation
• Speakers: Jeffrey (host), Yankai Koh (Clifford Capital), Darius Lim (SBF)
• Duration: 01:01:38

Introduction

This webinar from the Singapore Business Federation aims to guide Singaporean businesses, particularly SMEs, on securing financing for overseas infrastructure projects. The session features presentations and a fireside chat discussing key considerations, project structuring, and available financing options.

Key Takeaways

1. Project Financing for SMEs: Project financing allows SMEs to secure significantly higher debt levels compared to traditional corporate loans, easing the funding gap for large infrastructure projects. However, this comes with increased complexity and higher transaction costs.
2. Key Bankability Factors: Successful financing hinges on several key factors: sponsor's financial strength and experience, predictable long-term cash flow secured through robust supply and off-take agreements, mitigation of political risks (violence, currency controls, expropriation) through insurance, and managing currency and operating risks.
3. Clifford Capital's Role: Clifford Capital, supported by the Singapore government, offers debt financing solutions tailored to SMEs, including project finance loans, corporate loans, and asset-backed loans. They prioritize projects where Singapore companies hold significant equity stakes or provide substantial goods/services.
4. SBF's Global Connect: SBF's Global Connect initiative actively supports Singaporean companies' international expansion. It provides assistance beyond mere introductions, facilitating deals and ensuring commercial success in diverse markets, including Southeast Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, and beyond.
5. Sustainable Financing: Green loans are increasingly popular and may offer slightly lower pricing, but the underlying project's bankability remains paramount for securing any type of financing.