Standard Chartered SDG Investment Map reveals US$ 16.2 billion worth opportunities in Sri Lanka
The Standard Chartered Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Investment Map has reportedly revealed an almost US$ 10 trillion (US$ 9.668 trillion) opportunity for private-sector investors across all emerging markets with Sri Lanka representing US$ 16.2 billion of that total.
The local media has noted that the study has identified opportunities for the private sector to contribute to three infrastructure-focused goals between now and 2030: SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy and SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure across emerging markets.
According to reports, the greatest opportunity in Sri Lanka is found in achieving and maintaining universal access to electricity (a key SDG 7 indicator), representing a US$ 7.3 billion private-sector investment opportunity.
This has taken into account the proportion of the Sri Lankan population currently without access to electricity (2%), projected population growth, and the growing demand for power as the economy develops.
Local media reports further state that for SDG 9, which encourages improvement in industry, innovation and infrastructure, Opportunity 2030 highlights private sector investment opportunities in transport and improving digital access. Securing full digital adoption in Sri Lanka – a combination of mobile phone subscription rates and internet connectivity – would require private sector investment of around US$ 4.1 billion. To significantly improve Sri Lanka’s transport infrastructure by 2030 provides a $ 4.6 billion investment opportunity for the private sector.
Standard Chartered Sri Lanka CEO Bingumal Thewarathanthri has been quoted as saying in the local media, “Sri Lanka’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) makes it an attractive prospect for the private sector to invest with impact. The Government is looking to increase public-private collaboration and its Vision 2025 program aligns with the SDGs, demonstrating the commitment to the goals.
“Opportunity2030 reveals the opportunities private sector investors have to make a difference in achieving the SDGs. These findings show that in Sri Lanka there is a chance to have a real impact on millions of people’s lives over the next decade.”
OSL take:
The report by a global brand name like Standard Chartered outlining investment opportunities in the region, especially in Sri Lanka could be usef by foreign businesses/investors to find the precise sectors that pose the best opportunities. If a foreign business is interested in doing business in the South Asian region, they could do so from Sri Lanka using the privileges enjoyed by the island with countries in the region.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20200128/Z_3 |