Asia-Pacific Infrastructure and Energy Developments: Key Updates and Initiatives

Strategic Insights -

Asia's energy and infrastructure sectors continue to be shaped by significant investments, mergers, and restructuring initiatives. In this context, three major developments in Asia and the Pacific are noteworthy. Korea Electric Power Corp (KEPCO) has announced plans to divest three subsidiaries by 2002, reflecting the company's restructuring efforts. Meanwhile, the Indian government has cleared a proposal for a US$337.7 million all-weather port and terminal facility at Vadinar, expanding the country's maritime capabilities. Furthermore, Okitsumo Inc, Japan's leading heat-resistant paint producer, has established a joint venture in South Korea, while Wudi County in Shandong Province has emerged as China's largest shell sand market. Henan Province, in central China, has utilized foreign capital to construct 13 power projects, leveraging international investments in the energy sector.

Key Takeaways:

  • Korea Electric Power Corp (KEPCO) plans to sell three subsidiaries, including Korea Electric Power Industrial Development Co., and its stakes in several companies by 2002, as part of its restructuring efforts for overseas operations.
  • The Indian government has cleared a proposal by Essar Shipping Limited for a US$337.7 million all-weather port and terminal facility at Vadinar, with a debt-equity ratio of 2:1 and a foreign exchange component of Rs 4.79 billion.
  • Okitsumo Inc., Japan's leading heat-resistant paint producer, has established a joint venture in South Korea, marking its second overseas production facility, after one in Thailand.
  • Wudi County in Shandong Province has emerged as China's largest shell sand market, with daily sales exceeding 1,000 tons and an annual output value of 40 million yuan.
  • Henan Province in central China has utilized foreign capital worth US$2.1 billion to construct 13 power projects.

Statistics:

  • KEPCO plans to sell its stakes in several companies by 2002.
  • The Indian port and terminal facility project has a debt-equity ratio of 2:1 and a foreign exchange component of Rs 4.79 billion (US$115 million).
  • Okitsumo Inc's joint venture in South Korea will build a factory within one or two years.
  • Wudi County's verified deposits of shell sand are 360 million tons, with 100,000 tons added each year due to tidal action.
  • China's Henan Province has utilized US$2.1 billion in foreign capital to construct 13 power projects.

Sources:

  • Asia Pulse (http://www.asiapulse.com) - Jan 29, 1999
  • Korea Electric Power Corp. (KEPCO)
  • Essar Shipping Limited
  • Okitsumo Inc.
  • Wudi County Geological Department
  • Henan Province Government
  • Overseas Economic Cooperation Fund (OECF) of Japan
  • COMTEX (http://www.comtexnews.com)