Financing solutions for 
Southeast Asia and Bangladesh 

Since August 2026, Sun-Young Kim has been serving as a Financing Expert in Singapore, further strengthening the presence of the Export Credit Guarantees of the Federal Republic of Germany in the region. From Singapore, she supports German exporters across Southeast Asia and Bangladesh under a regional mandate. While the ASEAN region offers diverse growth opportunities, companies also face a wide range of financing and risk-related challenges that require in-depth local market knowledge.

In this interview, she shares her perspective on the region’s economic outlook, discusses current opportunities and challenges for German exporters, and explains how Export Credit Guarantees and tailor-made financing solutions can help companies remain competitive in international markets. She also provides insights into her day-to-day work on the ground and the trends shaping the future of the region.

You have been working as a Financing Expert in Singapore since August. What has surprised you most during your first weeks?

My first weeks have reinforced just how resilient the economies across the region are. Despite a challenging global environment, recently shaped by the conflict in the Middle East and the resulting uncertainties regarding energy prices and supply chains, investment activity remains strong and economic growth prospects continue to be positive in many countries.

How do you support German exporters and banks from Singapore in structuring successful export transactions in Southeast Asia and Bangladesh?

I work closely with exporters, buyers and financing partners from an early stage to support the structuring of export and project financing transactions. This includes contributing local market expertise and identifying opportunities to integrate Export Credit Guarantees into financing concepts. Maintaining close contact with banks, exporters, buyers and local multipliers helps identify potential risks at an early stage and facilitates the efficient implementation of transactions.

What do you find particularly exciting about your role as a Financing Expert?

What makes the role especially exciting is the combination of finance, industry and geopolitics. The region is developing rapidly, and many of the projects being structured today will have a lasting impact on economic development in the years ahead.

What are currently the biggest challenges for German exporters in the ASEAN region and Bangladesh?

Key challenges include geopolitical uncertainties, complex regulatory environments, and increasing requirements regarding sustainability and resilient supply chains. In Bangladesh, another important topic is how to maintain competitiveness once the benefits associated with Least Developed Country (LDC) status come to an end.

What opportunities does the region offer for German exporters?

The ASEAN region presents attractive opportunities for German exporters, particularly in industry, energy and infrastructure. At the same time, financing solutions are becoming an increasingly important competitive factor. Export Credit Guarantees and tailor-made financing structures can help German companies strengthen their position in international tenders and successfully realize complex projects abroad.

Which trends are expected to shape Southeast Asia and Bangladesh in the coming years?

The diversification of global supply chains, the energy transition and deeper regional integration will be among the key trends. Many companies are expanding their production capacities across Southeast Asia, while governments and investors are significantly increasing investments in energy, power grid and digital infrastructure.

If you could give one piece of advice to exporters and banks doing business in the region, what would it be?

Across the region, financing and speed are increasingly becoming decisive competitive factors. Buyers are not only looking for technologically convincing solutions but also for reliable long-term financing concepts. Companies that consider market strategy, local partnerships and financing requirements at an early stage are often in a much stronger position to succeed in international competition.