At the 2025 Future Investment Conference (FIC) held during the China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT) in Xiamen, China, on September 8, 2025, ADFIAP Chairman Dr. Kao Thach took center stage at the high-level plenary session titled ‘Investing in the Infrastructure of the Future.’
The session convened global leaders, sovereign wealth fund executives, and development finance institutions to explore the evolving landscape of infrastructure investment, with a focus on scaling innovation and mobilizing strategic capital for sustainable development.
“Infrastructure is no longer just about roads and bridges—it’s about systems that connect people, protect communities, and power the future. Strategic capital must be aligned with innovation, sustainability, and long-term impact.”
He outlined ADFIAP’s commitment to supporting member institutions in navigating emerging trends such as:
- Green and climate-resilient infrastructure
- Smart cities and digital public goods
- Energy transition
- Public-private partnerships and blended finance models
Key Trends and Opportunities
Dr. Thach identified several opportunities shaping the future of infrastructure investment:
- Technological convergence: Integrating AI, IoT, and data analytics into infrastructure planning and operations.
- Sustainability imperatives: Aligning infrastructure projects with ESG standards and the SDGs.
- Capital innovation: Leveraging instruments such as green bonds, guarantees, and project preparation facilities to de-risk investment.
- Regional cooperation: Building cross-border infrastructure corridors and harmonizing regulatory frameworks.
“Development finance institutions must act as catalysts—bridging the gap between ambition and execution, between innovation and inclusion,” Dr. Thach noted.
ADFIAP’s Strategic Role
As Chairman of ADFIAP, Dr. Thach reaffirmed the Association’s role in convening regional stakeholders, sharing best practices, and scaling institutional readiness for infrastructure finance. He highlighted ongoing efforts to support member DFIs through capacity building, policy advocacy, and digital transformation.
The session concluded with a call to action for greater collaboration among governments, investors, and DFIs to unlock infrastructure’s full potential as a driver of sustainable development.