Weekly News Updates: Oct. 9 – Oct. 15

India Aims for 500 GW Renewable Energy by 2030 with National Electricity Plan
印度目標到2030年達成500 GW可再生能源目標,並制定國家電力計劃

India has set an ambitious target of achieving 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 and over 600 GW by 2032 through its newly unveiled National Electricity Plan (Transmission). The plan, developed by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), focuses on expanding transmission infrastructure, with plans to add over 191,000 circuit kilometres of transmission lines and 1,270 GVA of transformation capacity over the next decade. It also integrates 47 GW of battery energy storage and 31 GW of pumped storage systems. The initiative supports India’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2070 and aims to position the country as a global leader in clean energy by 2047.

Union Minister of Power, Mr. Manohar Lal, emphasized that the plan reimagines India’s energy landscape by enhancing inter-regional transmission capacity and promoting green hydrogen and ammonia manufacturing in coastal regions. With an investment requirement of over US$ 108.92 billion (Rs. 9.15 lakh crore) by 2032, the plan also incorporates advanced technologies such as hybrid substations and upgrading voltage levels to 1,200 kV AC. FICCI’s Subhrakant Panda highlighted the economic potential of clean energy transition, while Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Shripad Yesso Naik, stressed the need for significant investments in renewable technologies, energy storage, and grid modernization.

https://www.ibef.org/news/india-eyes-500-gw-renewable-power-by-2030#:~:text=India%20has%20unveiled%20its%20National,net%2Dzero%20emissions%20by%202070.

小編點評:印度已設定宏大的目標,通過最新公告的國家電力計劃,到2030年達成500 GW的可再生能源產能,並到2032年達成超過600 GW。該計劃重點在於擴展輸電基礎設施並整合先進技術,所需投資超過108.92億美元,目標是將印度定位為全球清潔能源領袖,並支持其到2070年實現淨零排放的目標。

Indian Conglomerates to Lead $800 Billion Investment Surge, Targeting Green Energy and Emerging Sectors
印度大型企業集團領導8000億美元投資浪潮,瞄準綠色能源和新興行業

India’s largest business groups, including Tata, Reliance, Adani, Vedanta, and JSW, are set to spearhead an $800 billion investment wave over the next decade, according to a report by S&P Global Ratings. This marks a nearly threefold increase in capital commitments compared to the last decade. Approximately 40% of the investments will focus on emerging sectors like green hydrogen, clean energy, aviation, semiconductors, electric vehicles (EVs), and data centers, with these conglomerates planning to collectively invest around $350 billion in these high-growth areas. Neel Gopalakrishnan of S&P Global Ratings noted the strategic shift towards new businesses as part of India’s broader vision to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.

While some conglomerates are venturing into new sectors, other major groups like Birla, Mahindra, Hero, ITC, and Bajaj will prioritize scaling their existing operations. These companies, known for their conservative growth strategies, are expected to contribute between $400 billion and $500 billion in investments in their core businesses over the next decade. The report also highlighted the importance of strengthening core operations as companies take on rising debt levels to support expansion. Any missteps during this investment phase could negatively impact credit metrics, making precision in execution essential for sustaining growth and maintaining financial stability.

https://www.msn.com/en-in/money/topstories/tata-reliance-adani-may-lead-800-billion-investment-wave-what-s-in-store/ar-AA1sewAU

小編點評:包括塔塔、信實和阿達尼在內的印度最大集團企業有望在未來十年推動8000億美元的投資浪潮,其中約40%將專注於綠氫和電動車等新興領域。部分公司將探索新業務,而如BirlaMahindra等公司將專注於加強現有業務,強調在負債增加的情況下精準執行的重要性,以維持財務穩定。

60% of Indian Unicorn Founders Achieve Billion-Dollar Valuation on First Attempt: Study
印度獨角獸創辦人中60%首次創業即實現十億美元估值

A recent study by PrivateCircle Research reveals that 60% of Indian unicorn startup founders successfully built their billion-dollar ventures on their first attempt. Out of the 261 unicorn founders analyzed, 29% took two tries, and 6% required three attempts before achieving unicorn status, indicating a strong trend of first-time success among Indian entrepreneurs. Notable examples include Kunal Shah, who launched fintech unicorn CRED after selling Freecharge, and Vineet Rao, who founded Dealshare following two prior ventures. The report highlights the resilience and learning that come with serial entrepreneurship, with second ventures often achieving unicorn status in a median time of just 1.5 years.

The Indian startup ecosystem has evolved to embrace failure, with venture capitalists now valuing founders who have experienced setbacks and returned stronger. This shift reflects a growing appreciation for the grit and adaptability required to succeed in the high-stakes world of startups. As more serial entrepreneurs emerge, bringing lessons from previous ventures, India is expected to strengthen its position in the global startup landscape. The report underscores the significance of resilience and experience in scaling new heights in India’s rapidly maturing startup environment.

https://www.business-standard.com/companies/start-ups/60-of-unicorn-founders-in-india-are-first-time-founders-says-study-124100900866_1.html

小編點評:根據PrivateCircle Research的最新研究,60%的印度獨角獸創辦人首次創業便實現了十億美元估值,突顯出印度創業者的首次成功趨勢。隨著創業生態系統逐漸接受失敗的經驗,創業者從前次經歷中汲取的韌性和學習越來越受到重視,這意味著印度在全球創業領域中的地位將繼續加強。

Regulatory Reforms to Speed Up Homecoming of IPO-Bound Indian Startups
監管改革將加速返回印度上市的創公司

India’s recent regulatory reform, which removes the need for National Company Law Tribunal approval for a “reverse flip” merger, is expected to accelerate the return of Indian startups domiciled abroad, according to bankers, lawyers, and investors. The time-consuming compliance step, which previously took 12 to 18 months, has now been reduced to just three to four months. This move is seen as a catalyst for foreign-based Indian startups like Razorpay, Pine Labs, and KreditBee to shift back home in preparation for IPOs, driven by better listing prospects in a country that does not allow dual listings. Many startups had originally moved to financial hubs like the U.S. and Singapore for easier access to capital and lower tax burdens.

As India’s IPO market booms, raising $9.17 billion in the first nine months of 2024 compared to $4.68 billion last year, companies like Zepto, Eruditus, and InMobi are also in advanced stages of completing the reverse flip. Harshil Mathur, CEO of Razorpay, which was valued at $7.5 billion in 2021, stated that it “makes sense to be in India” from a listing perspective. The streamlined process is expected to further attract startups looking to tap into India’s thriving equity capital market. Legal experts, like Mehul Shah from Khaitan & Co, have hailed the reform for facilitating swift merger approvals without court intervention, enhancing the strategic move of startups returning to India for IPOs.

https://www.reuters.com/world/india/india-regulatory-reform-could-hasten-homecoming-ipo-bound-startups-2024-10-10

小編點評:印度最近的監管改革,取消了反向合併需要獲得國家公司法法庭的批准,預計將加速在海外註冊的印度新創公司返回印度。這一改革大大縮短了合規時間,從1218個月縮短至34個月。該變革預計將吸引如RazorpayPine Labs等公司提前返回印度上市,以便在快速成長的印度股市中把握機會。

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang Eyes Deep Partnership with India Amid AI Revolution
輝達(NvidiaCEO黃仁勳期望與印度建立深厚的AI合作關係

Jensen Huang, the founder and CEO of Nvidia, the global leader in AI infrastructure, sees enormous potential in India’s growing tech landscape as it emerges as a key player in the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution. During his visit to India last September, Huang met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who emphasized the importance of India retaining its value in AI, stating, “Why export the data of India, so that you can import AI?” Huang echoed this sentiment, expressing his eagerness to partner with India to harness its rich tech talent and burgeoning startup ecosystem. “This is India’s moment, you have to seize the opportunity,” he said, highlighting India’s pivotal role in the democratization of computing through AI.

Nvidia, which invented the game-changing GPU chip in 1999, has scaled new heights as AI technology reshapes industries worldwide. With a market capitalization of $3.28 trillion, the company surpassed tech giants like Microsoft and Alphabet, and is second only to Apple. Nvidia stocks recorded the largest one-day value-add in Wall Street history this February, and the company posted a staggering $30 billion in revenue for the quarter ending in July, marking a 122% year-on-year growth. Huang’s leadership has turned Nvidia into a driving force behind the generative AI boom, positioning the company at the forefront of the AI revolution.

https://www.msn.com/en-in/money/news/et-conversations-with-nvidia-ceo-jensen-huang-the-cult-figure-powering-a-genai-revolution/ar-AA1s18vk

小編點評:輝達CEO黃仁勳看好印度在AI革命中的重要角色,並強調印度應保留其AI價值。他在訪問印度期間表達了與印度豐富的科技人才及活躍的創業生態系統合作的渴望。隨著輝達的顯著增長和市值達到3.28兆美元,黃認為與印度的合作將顯著推動印度在AI普及中的地位。

FICCI Highlights $15 Billion Investment Potential for Taiwanese Firms in India’s Electronics and EV Sectors
印度工商聯合會(FICCI)指出台灣企業在印度電子與電動車領域有150億美元的投資潛力

The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) has identified a $15 billion investment opportunity for Taiwanese companies in India’s growing electronics and electric vehicle (EV) sectors. In its report, Unlocking the Potential: The Benefits of India as a Partner for Taiwanese Enterprises, FICCI outlined five key manufacturing areas ripe for investment: printed circuit boards (PCBs), semiconductors, electric motors, CCTV systems, and smart healthcare products. With India’s market value in these sectors currently at $60 billion and projected to reach $170 billion by 2030, FICCI emphasized that Taiwan’s technological expertise could drive significant growth for both nations.

India’s pro-investment policies, including the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) and Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, further bolster its appeal as a manufacturing hub. The report underscored India’s strategic advantages over other Southeast Asian nations, offering Taiwanese firms a stable business environment, skilled workforce, and supportive government policies. FICCI stressed that deeper collaboration between India and Taiwan would not only diversify and de-risk Taiwanese operations but also accelerate India’s development in electronics, green energy, EVs, and smart cities, fostering mutual growth and innovation.

https://businessworld.in/article/ficci-projects-15-bn-taiwanese-investment-potential-in-indias-electronics-ev-sectors-535632

小編點評:印度商工總會(FICCI)指出,台灣企業在印度電子與電動車領域有150億美元的投資潛力。報告強調,台灣的技術專長可顯著推動印度市場的成長,預計到2030年市場價值將從600億美元增至1700億美元。報告還提到印度的投資友好政策,鼓勵雙方深入合作以促進雙邊的成長和創新。

Taiwan Expands Diplomatic Presence in India with New Mumbai Office Amid Strengthening Trade Ties
台灣在加強貿易關係背景下,在印度孟買開設新辦事處

Taiwan is set to open a new representative office in Mumbai on October 16, 2024, marking a significant step in strengthening its economic and trade relations with India, particularly in the semiconductor and ICT sectors. The announcement, made during Taiwan’s National Day celebrations in New Delhi, underscores the growing partnership between the two nations. Baushuan Ger, Taiwan’s de facto ambassador to India, emphasized that the new office, Taiwan’s third in India, highlights 30 years of deepening bilateral cooperation. This expansion reflects Taiwan’s commitment to enhancing ties with India, building on its representative centers in Delhi and Chennai.

The opening comes amid flourishing economic relations, with bilateral trade increasing by 64% since 2016, reaching $8.2 billion in 2023. Taiwanese companies have invested $5 billion in India, creating over 170,000 jobs, and supporting sectors from ICT to auto parts. A landmark technology agreement between Taiwan’s Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp and India’s Tata Electronics will also see the construction of India’s first semiconductor fab in Gujarat. Educational exchanges are growing too, with Taiwan establishing 36 education centers across India, fostering stronger cultural ties.

小編點評:台灣將於20241016日在孟買開設新的代表處,這是加強與印度經貿關係的重要一步,特別是在半導體和ICT領域。這是台灣在印度設立的第三個辦事處,標誌著雙邊合作三十年的深化。雙邊貿易自2016年以來增長了64%,至2023年達到82億美元。此外,台灣企業在印度的投資已創造超過17萬個就業機會,技術合作將進一步促進雙方發展。