Inbound investments from Asia have significantly shaped the Australian economy, injecting substantial capital into various sectors and bringing the latest technologies, business know-how, and practices. This stimulates local businesses, enhances productivity, and fosters innovation. Additionally, these investments strengthen bilateral relationships, promoting business opportunities, cultural exchanges, and collaborative projects, contributing to a more interconnected regional economy.
Understanding Asian economies' investment in Australia offers advantages across the private and public sectors. It provides valuable economic insights, aids in identifying market trends, and promotes economic growth.
For Australian businesses, it opens opportunities for partnerships and competitive advantages. For policymakers, it enables informed decision-making and regulatory adjustments to attract more foreign investment.
The Series highlights the inbound investment activities of key Asian economies that have established substantial investment footprints across various industry sectors in Australia over the past decade to the present. These economies—Japan, China, India, Singapore, Korea, Malaysia, and the UAE—have made significant contributions to the growth and enrichment of the Australian economy, warranting greater recognition.
Ranking of the inbound investments from Asia (A$; 2023)
FIRB approved commercial investment proposals from Asian economies (A$; 2020-23)
"Australia's robust economic fundamentals, including its strategic geographic position, diverse and highly educated workforce, and sound legal and regulatory frameworks, create an ideal environment for Asian businesses aiming to make strategic investments as part of their global growth strategy.
As the global economy evolves, Australia remains as a stable and resilient market, offering significant opportunities for value creation. The deep economic complementarity between Australia and Asia strengthens its position as a premier investment destination. In an era of heightened complexity, these synergies will drive strategic acquisitions and partnerships, ensuring mutual prosperity for both Australia and its Asian partners."
Sridharan Nair, Chairman of PwC Asia Pacific
Select an Asian economy to view the inbound investment report (2014-2025 YTD)
Methodology
- Introduction
- Research Design
- Data Collection
- Data Analysis
- Limitation
- Disclaimer
Introduction
The Bridging Continents Series on inbound investment in Australia aims to explore the evolving dynamics of Australia's investment relationships with Asian economies. It examines emerging trends, key drivers, and the underlying factors shaping mergers, acquisitions (M&A), and strategic partnerships, offering valuable insights into cross-border investment activities. It highlights significant trends in Asia’s inbound investment activity in the Australian market, driven by sector-specific opportunities and strategic M&A activities, providing insights into cross-border investments and emerging opportunities. Regular bi-monthly updates ensure the report remains current, despite inherent delays in real-time data.
Research Design
Our research analysed a decade of completed inbound M&A transactions in Australia from a selected group of Asian economies. We focused on key investments by sector, major deals, emerging opportunities, and trends. Additionally, we explored the driving and limiting factors influencing investment activity, highlighting significant partnerships and agreements between Australia and Asian countries.
Data Collection
We conducted transaction screening for closed M&A inbound transactions only in Australia over the past decade using Capital IQ, Mergermarket, and Eikon. These tools facilitated the analysis of deal activity by year and industry, enabling us to identify the most active years, key industries, and the geographical origins of investments. Additionally, we examined the rationale behind these deals and analysed the factors contributing to peak activity in specific years.
Data Analysis
The selection criteria for transactions are based on the most recent high-value deals, as well as historically significant transactions with substantial deal values. We have included 9-10 deals per slide for the top two sectors by deal volume. For other sectors, we have combined two sectors per slide, featuring 4-5 deals each. This approach ensures a comprehensive overview of both recent and impactful historic transactions.
Limitation
The databases may take some time to update real-time deal data, which could result in delays in reflecting the most current transactions in the report. To address this limitation, we will update the closed deals section every two months to ensure that ongoing market M&A activity from Asia is adequately captured.
Disclaimer
The information, statements, statistics and commentary (together the “Information”) contained in this report have been prepared by PwC from material obtained from public sources and discussions with various industry participants.
PwC have not sought any independent confirmation of the reliability, accuracy or completeness of this information. It should not be construed that PwC has carried out any form of audit of the information which has been relied upon. Accordingly, whilst the statements made in this report are given in good faith, PwC accepts no responsibility for any errors in the information nor the effect of any such errors on our analysis, suggestions or report.
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