At Indo-Pacific Business Forum DFC Announces Active Commitments Across Region Have Reached $6.6 Billion

Media Release

 

New project approvals to support economic growth and development

 

TOKYO – In support of economic growth and development across the Indo-Pacific region, U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) today announced it committed more than $2 billion for the Indo-Pacific region in Fiscal Year 2022 across nearly 50 projects, bringing the agency’s total active commitments in the region to more than $6.6 billion of investment. In addition, since October 2022 DFC has approved three new projects that will support economic growth and development throughout the region by promoting affordable housing, tech-enabled businesses, and e-mobility in India and Southeast Asia. 

“The Indo-Pacific region is central to global economic and developmental advancement,” said DFC CEO Scott Nathan. “DFC is committed to partnering with Indo-Pacific nations to build upon our strong foundation of investment and increase our joint efforts. Together, we can catalyze the private sector capital needed to further promote economic growth and development in the region.”  

DFC investments in the region support the Indo Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity, which aims to strengthen ties in this critical region to foster technological innovation and strengthen the global economy, as well as the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, which aims to accelerate investment in quality infrastructure in low- and middle-income countries around the world.  

DFC’s current commitments in the Indo-Pacific region focus on health, digital connectivity, renewable energy, and financial inclusion, including: 

  • Trilateral support for digital infrastructure in the Pacific: DFC is working with Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) to each provide $50 million to guarantee financing by Export Finance Australia (EFA) for Telstra’s acquisition of Digicel Pacific’s telecom assets in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific, leading to network upgrades that will improve security and performance. The project also supports the continued provision of affordable, high-quality mobile voice and data services to subscribers in these markets. Expansion of the network will further the adoption of innovative technologies. 
  • Expanding healthcare investments across South and Southeast Asia: A $75 million equity investment in Quadria Capital Fund III, an Asian healthcare-focused private equity fund with a strong ESG impact thesis, will increase investment in high-growth, market-leading healthcare companies across South and Southeast Asia. 
  • Broadening credit access in Vietnam: An up to $200 million loan to Southeast Asia Commercial Joint Stock Bank will support socioeconomic development in Vietnam, with proceeds addressing the credit gap—particularly for women-owned and women-led SMEs—and the climate crisis. 
  • Supporting renewable energy and securing supply chains: An up to $500 million loan to First Solar, a competitive U.S. solar panel manufacturer based in Tempe, AZ, to be used for the construction and operation of a new manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu, India. The project promotes DFC’s commitment to climate change mitigation while improving solar supply chains and mobilizing the industry to take up better standards that align with U.S. values. 

Additionally, since October 2022 DFC has approved three new projects worth approximately $110 million of total investment to advance economic growth and development in India and across Southeast Asia, including:  

  • Expanding access to affordable housing for women in India: A $75 million loan to India-based Home First Finance will support affordable housing mortgage loans to low-income borrowers, with 100 percent of the loan proceeds financing housing for women.  
  • Supporting tech-enabled health, education, and financial services in Southeast Asia: A $30 million equity investment in Asia Partners Fund II will help close the late-stage funding gap for technology companies operating in lower-middle income countries across Southeast Asia, prioritizing investments in tech or tech-enabled businesses such as in health, education, and financial services.   
  • Promoting access to electric vehicles in India: A $5 million loan will enable Revfin Services Private Limited, a digital lending company that leverages non-traditional data to underwrite electric vehicle financing loans, to expand financial access and inclusion for underserved individuals and communities and provide an e-mobility solution to support India’s clean energy transition. 

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U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) partners with the private sector to finance solutions to the most critical challenges facing the developing world today. We invest across sectors including energy, healthcare, critical infrastructure, and technology. DFC also provides financing for small businesses and women entrepreneurs in order to create jobs in emerging markets. DFC investments adhere to high standards and respect the environment, human rights, and worker rights.