KKR Co-CEO Joseph Bae on Opportunities in Japan, China as Dollar Slips

Group 1: Japan's Political and Economic Landscape - The continuity of reform policies in Japan, initiated by former Prime Minister Abe, is expected to be upheld by the newly elected Prime Minister, which could lead to a bright future for Japan [2] - The private equity industry in Japan is maturing, with a focus on corporate carve-outs, secondary transactions, and public-to-private deals [3][4] - There is a growing need for infrastructure investment in Japan, particularly in digital infrastructure and energy, which will require significant private capital [4][5] Group 2: Investment Opportunities in India - India is recognized as a major investment destination, with a demographic advantage of 1.4 billion people and a burgeoning manufacturing sector [7] - The Asia infrastructure fund has seen substantial growth, increasing from $13 billion in 2018 to $60 billion currently, with India positioned as a key beneficiary [8] - Investments in India are being made in various sectors, including toll roads, transmission grids, renewable energy, and digital infrastructure, indicating a strong future for infrastructure capital [9] Group 3: Investment Environment in China - The investment landscape in China has become more selective due to geopolitical factors, but there remains a commitment to invest in sectors focused on domestic consumption and value-added services [11][12] - A clearer path to liquidity and an expanding M&A market are seen as critical catalysts for the revival of the private equity industry in China [13][14] - The focus on domestic consumption and local champions continues to drive investment interest, exemplified by a recent $2 billion control buyout in the soft drinks sector [12] Group 4: Global Investment Trends - There is a trend of diversification among global investors, with a shift towards Asian markets as the US dollar weakens and regional economies gain importance [15][16] - Investors are looking to balance their portfolios, with many having limited exposure to Asia, which is expected to change as they seek growth opportunities [18][19]