When we talk about investing in Asia, we are not just referring to the more-commonly discussed FDI-attractive regions like East and Southeast Asia; we’re suggesting investors broaden their horizons and look at investment possibilities spanning as integral as India and as far-removed as the Former Union Republics of the Soviet Union. It is staggering when one looks a little beyond the surface and finds these regions so naively overlooked.
So what does Asia have to offer for investors? First thought: its size. With a world population of less than 8 billion, Asia comprises over half of that with a 4.4 billion headcount. Making an investment in that region is in effect investing in humanity. In addition, the scope of a place makes it a more attractive location for global firms to set up shop there when they expand as they realize that the market there is way bigger for their product/service. This results in higher growth and the stats show that Asia’s FDI has bolstered the region’s larger economies.
Another reason to look to the region for investment purposes – especially NOW – is because the scope of industries is so large that something is bound to appeal. You’d be hard-pressed to find that kind of diversity anywhere else. In other regions it’s very much limited to a type of market; not so with Asia.
And then there is the infrastructure. Replete with private placements, mutual funds, multi-asset funds etc., this makes for a very attractive environment for investors from anywhere around the world.
So these are just some of the reasons why it makes so much sense to invest in Asia right now.