Anne Valentine Andrews, who recently joined Manulife
Investment Management as Global Head of Private Markets, emphasizes
that the United States can learn from countries such as Australia, which has
been raising private capital for infrastructure investment through its
super-annuation retirement plans, asset recycling, and public private
partnerships. The U.S. lacks investment opportunities in infrastructure
projects, and should endeavor to make more projects “shovel ready”.
Lastly, the U.S. public needs to better understand the benefits generated by
increased infrastructure investment, such as additional jobs, improved GDP, and
enhanced quality of everyday life.
In closing, Anne points out there is no need to
experiment in infrastructure delivery – instead, the United States can “connect
the dots” and learn from other countries.