With the UAE as a base, investors are setting their sights on emerging markets like South Asia, where opportunities abound as investments on energy and infrastructure becomes more sophisticated. An exemplary case is Summit Group’s investment portfolio where balanced approaches to infrastructure advancement serve as a great learning opportunity. Dubai is within reach for entrepreneurs trying to figure out how to start an investment company which becomes beneficial for investors seeking lesser-known opportunities.
Summit Group’s strategic approach to energy infrastructure in South Asia offers valuable insights for potential partnerships with UAE investors. By establishing itself as Bangladesh’s largest infrastructure conglomerate, the company has created a model that balances local market expertise with international financial standards.
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How Summit Group Leverages Singapore for Bangladesh Growth
In 2016, Summit Group made a pivotal decision to incorporate Summit Power International in Singapore. This strategic move has been fundamental to the company’s expansion and ability to attract international investors.
“One of the most important things that define us is the fact that we are a Singapore company based out of Singapore, owning assets in Bangladesh. And that happened because of our foreign partnership,” explains Ayesha Khan, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer at Summit Power International.
This structure provides Summit with a unique competitive advantage. “What Bangladesh has is a lot of opportunities and a lot of growth, but what it lacks is governance and what it lacks is a mature financial market, both of which are very much necessary to do long-term infrastructure projects,” she adds from the Ayesha Khan Interview transcript.
By establishing headquarters in Singapore, Summit gained access to lower-cost, longer-term financing that would have been difficult to secure in Bangladesh alone. This approach has enabled the company to offer more competitive electricity rates to consumers in Bangladesh while maintaining the profitability necessary to attract foreign investment.
Aziz Khan’s Vision for Cross-Border Energy Solutions
Muhammed Aziz Khan, founder and chairman of Summit Group, recognizes the potential for regional cooperation in addressing South Asia’s energy challenges. His vision extends beyond Bangladesh to neighboring countries like India, Bhutan, and Nepal.
“There is a lot of availability of green electricity in South Asia; we need to harness them and bring it to Bangladesh,” states Aziz Khan. “We aim to be leaders in this role, just as we have been in other infrastructure areas.”
The investment vision goes hand in hand with the numerous opportunities available for an investor based in the UAE. Through initiatives like the Golden Visa for investors, the UAE has sustained initiatives that promote long-term investment by providing extended residency and business incentives to those supporting the economy. Furthermore, these residency options allow for easier mobility to other countries while enjoying the local stability and benefits provided for investors based in UAE.
>Khan envisions a regional grid that would facilitate renewable energy transmission across borders. This ambitious plan would allow countries with abundant renewable resources to supply energy to those facing geographical constraints, like Bangladesh.
The approach mirrors the UAE’s own regional investment strategy, which emphasizes energy security and cross-border cooperation. Both Summit Group and UAE recognize that energy challenges require collaborative solutions that transcend national boundaries.
Summit Group Strategic Partnerships Fuel Growth
The company’s ability to form strategic partnerships has been crucial to its growth. Summit Power International has collaborated with major international corporations, including General Electric for power plant development and Japan’s Jera, which acquired a 22% stake in SPI in 2019.
These partnerships bring not just capital but also technological expertise. For instance, Summit’s latest power plant utilizes GE’s advanced gas turbine technology, making it one of the most efficient plants in Bangladesh.
The largest infrastructure conglomerate in Bangladesh employs over 6,000 people, with investments in the energy sector, ports, logistics, and information technology.
Wu Yan Bin, Chief Financial Officer at SPI, explains the company’s approach to expansion: “The idea is to set up Summit Power International as a platform for attracting both investments and funding to new projects in Bangladesh, as well as to grow this platform to look at projects outside Bangladesh.”
>Summit’s expansion strategy resonates with UAE’s vision for regional infrastructure investment. Both prioritize energy security, sustainable development, and regional cooperation. UAE investors looking for opportunities in South Asia would find Summit’s model particularly relevant – combining international financial backing with deep local market knowledge.
As Summit Group continues to expand its energy infrastructure portfolio across South Asia, the potential for collaboration with UAE investors grows. Together, they could address the region’s energy challenges while capitalizing on its tremendous growth opportunities and creating lasting economic value for both parties.
Conclusion:
Summit Group’s models can inspire UAE based investors. Starting or expanding a business with an Investor Visa in Dubai opens up endless possibilities. Apart from being part of the world’s business epicenter, residing in Dubai provides access to excellent infrastructure, international regulatory frameworks, and important trade routes of Global Market.
To Speak with our Experienced Business Consultants for further information and assistance, call us at +971582595164. Send a WhatsApp Message for Chat Query on +971 582595164 or email us at info@companysetup.ae.
