Singapore: China's Gateway to ASEAN

Back to Growing Chinese Businesses in Singapore

Discover the opportunities that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) will bring to ASEAN and the ways Chinese corporates with expansion goals can take advantage of the China-Singapore Corridor to tap the potential of the region.

One Belt, One Road

Since the grand vision for China was unveiled in 2013 by President Xi Jinping, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is believed to be a global transformative project that will bring unprecedented growth to global trade.

Reshaping the 21st century global economy

Belt and Road Initiative: Implications for ASEAN

As the world's youngest economic region, ASEAN is likely to be one of the biggest beneficiaries of the BRI.

The region offers alluring investment opportunities with its healthy rates of economic and population growth. HSBC estimates that the six biggest ASEAN economies – Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines and Vietnam – require USD2.1 trillion in infrastructure investment up to 2030. However, budgets will cover only USD910 million of the required amount. This offers opportunities for foreign businesses to step in and help fill the gap.

As China takes on a more active role in shaping global trade through the BRI, Chinese businesses have an opportunity to expand across related economic corridors, such as that between China and Singapore. ASEAN is particularly appealing as it is a primary beneficiary of BRI infrastructure investments. HSBC estimates that BRI-related commitments in Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines alone will total more than USD77 billion. Clearly, the region offers excellent prospects for Chinese corporates to expand and grow their businesses.

Projects in focus

The BRI will benefit businesses and employment in three waves. The planning phase will bring opportunities to businesses specialising in engineering, finance and architecture. As the construction phase begins, businesses supplying raw materials and machinery will stand to gain. This will then pave the way for downstream opportunities such as real estate and commercial developments.

The BRI connects more than 65 countries with a continually growing geographical reach across Asia, Europe, Middle East and Africa1

Participating countries account for 30% of global GDP and 62% of the world’s population2

The Asian Development Bank estimated in 2017 that Asia's infrastructure needs will reach more than USD1.7trn per year through to 2030

Over the last five years, trade volumes between China and the countries along the BRI routes reached RMB5trn3

Annual trade with countries along the BRI routes is expected to hit USD2.5trn in the next decade4

Interested in expanding into Singapore? Let us help.

Find out more about HSBC China SG Corridor

HSBC China Desk: Your partner for growth

When you're ready to scale your business beyond China, HSBC provides dedicated support from HSBC Desk Network in Singapore to help with your expansion plans.

Enter ASEAN confidently with HSBC

With HSBC's deep expertise in partnering Chinese corporates to scale across borders, find the solutions you need to gain access to the ASEAN network.

 Contact us icon

Need help?

Get in touch to learn more about our banking solutions and how we can help you drive your business forward.