UOB, state firm in tie-up to finance Indonesian infrastructure projects

UOB has signed a memorandum of understanding with PT Sarana Multi Infrastruktur (Persero) to support infrastructure development initiatives in Indonesia. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI

United Overseas Bank (UOB) has signed a memorandum of understanding with an Indonesian state-owned infrastructure financing company, PT Sarana Multi Infrastruktur (Persero), or PT SMI, to support infrastructure development initiatives in Indonesia.

They will collaborate on infrastructure financing, corporate financing and project financing for national and provincial infrastructure projects, the Singapore bank said yesterday.

UOB and PT SMI first struck a partnership in 2013 to provide term loans for infrastructure projects such as toll roads and power plants.

Founded in 2009, PT SMI works with local and international financial institutions through public-private partnerships (PPPs) to provide infrastructure financing in Indonesia.

"Both parties will collaborate in supporting Indonesia infrastructure project financing, and not limited to credit syndication and mezzanine financing," said PT SMI president director Emma Sri Martini.

"PT SMI will support and work with UOB in project preparation and infrastructure advisory services in going beyond the scope of government and company collaboration.

"To fulfil Indonesia's infrastructure development fund, PT SMI will also collaborate with UOB in equity investment and infrastructure fund management, especially in developing financing tools including, but not limited to, potential credible international investor identification such as sovereign wealth fund or pension fund."

UOB managing director and head of the global financial institutions group Lim Lay Wah said: "We believe PPPs are one way to provide the resources and expertise needed for the country to meet its demand for infrastructure development.

"UOB's MOU with PT SMI is testament to the group's commitment to Indonesia and to sharing our industry knowledge and experience in facilitating infrastructure projects across the region."

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on March 24, 2018, with the headline UOB, state firm in tie-up to finance Indonesian infrastructure projects. Subscribe