DOHA, September 28

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has outlined an ambitious agenda for its second decade, focusing on sustainable infrastructure, innovation, climate resilience and stronger mobilisation of private capital.

Addressing the opening of the AIIB’s 11th Annual Meeting in Doha, held under the theme “Tomorrow’s Infrastructure: Impact and Innovation,” AIIB President and Chair of the Board of Directors Zou Jiayi thanked Qatar for hosting the gathering and praised the leadership of Minister of Finance and AIIB Governor Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, who is serving as Chair of the Board of Governors in 2026.

Zou said the bank had developed into a trusted multilateral institution since beginning operations in 2016. It now has 111 approved members and has committed more than $79 billion to over 400 projects across 43 economies, while maintaining AAA credit ratings from major international agencies.

She said consultations with member countries had highlighted the growing need for infrastructure investment and financing. In response, AIIB aims to broadly double its annual financing to around $20 billion by 2030, while expanding local-currency financing and encouraging greater private-sector participation.

The bank plans to prioritise modern infrastructure linked to climate resilience, renewable energy, digital transformation, regional connectivity, nature conservation and people-centred development. It also intends to engage more closely with clients at an earlier stage of project development.

Climate action remains a major priority. In 2025, about 71 percent of AIIB’s regular financing was directed towards climate-related projects, exceeding its 50 percent target for the fourth consecutive year.

Zou also emphasised international cooperation, describing AIIB as a development partnership among equals. While maintaining its core focus on Asia and regional integration, the bank will continue working with non-regional members and international partners.

She noted that Asia requires an estimated $3 trillion in infrastructure investment annually, making cooperation between governments, development institutions and the private sector essential to meeting the growing demand.

Meanwhile, Al Kuwari reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to multilateral cooperation and sustainable infrastructure. He said Qatar’s hosting of the annual meeting reflected its support for international partnerships and dialogue among governments, financial institutions and development organisations.

Al Kuwari highlighted AIIB’s contribution to connectivity and infrastructure development, noting that the bank approved $10.6 billion in financing for 57 projects last year, with 71 percent allocated to climate-related outcomes.

As AIIB enters its second decade, its leadership is seeking to expand development impact while strengthening connectivity, innovation, climate action and sustainable growth across member economies.