COVID-19 and its ongoing evolution have challenged and changed the way dealmakers and advisors have undertaken and resourced deals – and the market is thriving. Despite continuous global challenges, Australia is currently enjoying the strongest bull market since the tech boom of the early 2000s.

Investments have been dominated by local corporates, pension funds and international private equity firms – who have been particularly active in the Australian infrastructure sector. However, international investors, particularly those from Asia, have been conspicuously absent compared to previous years.

In 2022, this is likely to change.

Borders are reopening, and relationships and opportunities that have been dormant will be reactivated. Businesses and governments are keen to expand regional relationships. Opportunities for face-to-face relationship building meetings and site visits will provide the impetus for deals to restart.

In this report, we examine the investment trends and prospects for investors from Asia. Based on our team's deep experience across the region, we explore deal activity in China, Japan, Korea and Indonesia, and the range of opportunities there are for investors going forward.

Investment opportunities across industries

ESG will be a particular investment driver for Japanese and Korean investors, following the Japanese Government’s announcement of net zero greenhouse emissions by 2050 and Korea's 'green' focus in its national strategy.

We're seeing investment opportunities across a wide range of other industries.