AS Southeast Asian countries show concern about China's mind-boggling appetite for funds, a survey says the country will need up to US$233 billion by the year 2000 to develop just three key infrastructure sectors.
The Peregrine Investments Holdings survey, which will be released next week, estimates that as much as 80 to 90 per cent of the funds needed by China's transport, power generation and telecommunications sectors in the next six years may be raised from the massive pool of domestic savings, a move which will boost its securities market.
The balance of 20 per cent or $47 billion can be raised through international bond and equity placements.
''We anticipate that these financing arrangements will have a big impact on international businesses,'' said Peregrine managing director Francis Leung Pak-to.
The financial services group forecasts that portfolio investments, including bonds and equities, into China will increase to $8 billion this year, $3 billion more than last year.
This is partly because of a substantial increase in B shares and H shares issued abroad by mainland companies.