US investor aims at China's energy sector and SMEs

Franklin Templeton Investments said it is targeting business opportunities in consumption-oriented sectors and energy sectors as well as small-sized enterprises in emerging markets, said Mark Mobius, chairman of Templeton Emerging Markets Group, on Wednesday in Beijing.

Mobius said Templeton has paid a great deal of attention to sectors related to consumption in China and to the energy sector. He said China's demand for automobiles will not fall over the near future.

Mobius also expressed confidence in Chinese shipping companies after he visited Dalian this week.

"There were many good small companies with high growth in emerging markets such as China, Southeast Asia (especially Vietnam) and Brazil, which shall be valued by investors," said Mobius, who added that since many of the small companies have yet to be listed, private equity investments are also a good option.

Templeton is also looking into small, high-growth companies. Specifically, it is looking to be a part of these companies' board of directors to participate in the decision-making process, said Mobius.

He said he is positive about the Chinese stock market and would seek long-term investment opportunities in the country.