Khazanah eyes Sukuk issuance in eastern Europe

Khazanah Nasional Bhd is considering the issue of Sukuk or Islamic bonds in Eastern Europe following the opening of its office in Istanbul, Turkey, last November. Executive director and chief financial officer Mohd Izani Ghani said the office was established to tap investment opportunities around Turkey, North Africa and Eastern Europe. He, however, said Khazanah was not planning on issuing a foreign currency Sukuk. There is a push for Khazanah to do 'kebab' sukuk but the interest rate environment in Turkey is on the high side and volatile, he added. The lender wants to do sukuk in other currencies that can match the stable environment, currency and interest rates in the country, he said.