Latest news with #JinLiqun
South China Morning Post
11-07-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
After 10 years, AIIB welcomes new leadership – and fresh US challenges
Back to April 2016, at the Qingfeng steamed bun restaurant in Beijing's bustling Xicheng district, Jin Liqun lunched with the Asia editor of the Financial Times to introduce himself and China's newly created Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). Advertisement Beijing's decision to establish a development bank reflected in part a deep frustration with the reluctance of the world's leading economies to give China (and other leading developing economies) more influence in Bretton Woods institutions such as the International Monetary Fund and World Bank It also made clear a sharp difference in development priorities: the AIIB's core task would not be to tackle poverty, but – as its name suggested – to improve infrastructure and devote its keenest attention to Asia. 'We're not trying to upend the international financial and economic order, even though it leaves much room for improvement,' Jin insisted. 'This is really an opportunity for China to show it can work with other countries and to [better] international practice – not just Western practice – so people can be convinced China is a force for peace and prosperity in the world.' A decade later, as Jin prepares to step down as AIIB president and introduces his successor, Chinese finance ministry veteran Zou Jiayi , it may be timely to audit the bank's progress and consider how its role might evolve over the next 10 years. Advertisement Many remain sceptical about China as a force for peace and prosperity, particularly in the affluent West. But as the AIIB's membership has grown from 57 to 110 economies, the endorsement of its priority of infrastructure-building is broadly based across much of the developing world.
Reuters
02-07-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Climate and empowering women must be a priority, development bank bosses say
SEVILLE, Spain, July 2 (Reuters) - Multilateral development banks need to sharpen their focus on delivering climate action and on empowering women, the heads of two major MDBs in Asia and Europe told Reuters, as they face calls to be bolder, more flexible and inclusive. The president of the European Investment Bank, Nadia Calvino, and of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, Jin Liqun, spoke on the sidelines of the once-a-decade United Nations development financing summit taking place in Seville. The event is overshadowed by criticisms it has shown a lack of ambition and by the absence of the United States, the biggest provider of international aid until U.S. President Donald Trump returned to office early this year. Trump has also withdrawn the United States from U.N. efforts to counter climate change and sought to reverse policy on inclusivity, making many companies and institutions across the globe reticent about championing diversity and sustainability. The AIIB's Jin welcomed civil society's push for MDBs to do more on climate as a "positive force for innovation and greater impact". The AIIB supported "climate-resilient" infrastructure under a broader definition that includes digital, health, and education infrastructure, he said. The EIB's Calvino said high-level climate commitments must translate into tangible investments and projects, naming as an example an initiative for climate-related debt clauses that allows vulnerable countries to pause repayments after disasters. The pre-summit outcomes, opens new tab agreement between U.N. members included a pledge to triple multilateral lending capacity. The U.S. said that crossed one of its red lines, opens new tab as it interfered with the MDBs' independence. Asked about French President Emmanuel Macron's call for MDBs to sacrifice stellar credit ratings to hit those new targets, Jin proposed rating agencies apply different standards to MDBs instead of those used for commercial banks or private companies. Calvino said the current system worked well, with the EIB's AAA rating enabling it to take on higher-risk investments and leverage EU guarantees. The U.S. also objected to the use of the word gender in the outcomes document, saying it did not support "sex-based preferences". Calvino, the EIB's first woman president, said empowering women was "both the right and the economically smart choice ... a no-brainer". Jin said female empowerment was key in the AIIB's investment decisions, pointing to a rural road project in Ivory Coast connecting female agriculturalists in previously isolated villages to main markets to sell products such as cashews and coffee beans.
Al-Ahram Weekly
01-07-2025
- Business
- Al-Ahram Weekly
AIIB, Arab Fund seal strategic pact for sustainable infrastructure across Arab region - Economy
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Tuesday, establishing a strategic partnership to scale up their cooperation and accelerate the delivery of transformative, climate-resilient, and connectivity-driven infrastructure in shared priority regions. The signing occurred on the sidelines of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) in Seville, Spain. President of AIIB Jin Liqun and Chairman and Director General of the Arab Fund Bader Alsaad signed the agreement. AIIB, founded in 2016, is a multilateral development bank with 110 approved members globally and a capital base of $100 billion. AIIB focuses on financing infrastructure-related projects. It also supports projects that enhance regional connectivity and promote sustainable economic development across Asia and other regions. The newly inked MoU sets a comprehensive framework for collaboration between the two institutions. It covers sovereign and non-sovereign co-financing, joint project preparation, and strategic priority alignment in areas such as climate resilience, cross-border connectivity, digital infrastructure, and sustainable urban development. 'This partnership with the Arab Fund represents a major milestone in our shared pursuit of sustainable development. By combining AIIB's infrastructure finance expertise with the Arab Fund's regional knowledge, we can jointly mobilize more capital, drive innovation in financing, and deliver projects that directly address climate, digital, and urban infrastructure challenges,' said Liqun. 'It will enable us to deliver on our mission to finance sustainable development across the Arab region. The partnership also aligns directly with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We aim to channel vital resources to priority infrastructure projects that catalyze long-term prosperity and sustainability in our member countries,' Alsaad stated. The Arab Fund, established in 1972 and headquartered in Kuwait, is a regional financial institution dedicated to advancing economic and social development across the Arab world. The fund provides loans, grants, and technical assistance for critical projects in infrastructure, health, education, water and sanitation, and public services. It also plays a key role in regional cooperation and integration through its development financing initiatives. With a focus on demand-driven, high-impact initiatives, the AIIB-Arab Fund partnership is expected to unlock large-scale financing for critical infrastructure projects in sectors including clean energy, transport and logistics, digital connectivity, water and sanitation, and urban development and resilience. The agreement also positions both institutions to enhance their support for countries facing elevated financing challenges due to climate vulnerabilities or regional instabilities. The collaboration aims to facilitate cross-border infrastructure solutions, such as transport corridors and energy grids, that enhance regional integration and promote inclusive economic growth. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Zawya
01-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
AIIB and Arab Fund forge strategic partnership to advance sustainable infrastructure development
Seville – The Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) formalized a strategic partnership through the signing of a memorandum of understanding aimed at deepening cooperation and accelerating the delivery of sustainable infrastructure across shared priority regions. The signing ceremony took place on the sidelines of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) in Seville, Spain, and was officiated by Jin Liqun, President of AIIB, and Bader Alsaad, Chairman and Director General of the Arab Fund in the presence of senior representatives from both institutions. President Jin: "Our partnership with the Arab Fund represents a significant milestone in our shared commitment to sustainable development. By combining AIIB's infrastructure expertise with the Arab Fund's deep regional knowledge, we can deliver transformative projects that address the most pressing connectivity and climate challenges. Together, we will mobilize greater resources and drive innovation in infrastructure financing for a more sustainable future." The MoU establishes a comprehensive framework for collaboration between AIIB and the Arab Fund across sovereign and non-sovereign co-financing, joint project preparation, and strategic priorities including climate resilience, cross-border connectivity, and digital infrastructure, and sustainable urban development. Bader Alsaad, Chairman and Director General of the Arab Fund: "This significant partnership with AIIB will enable us to achieve our mission of financing sustainable development across the Arab region, aligning directly with the SDGs. Through this collaboration we will mobilize vital resources and strengthen our support for strategic infra-related initiatives, ultimately contributing to a more prosperous and sustainable future.' This partnership underscores both institutions' commitment to deepening collaboration with regional development partners and advancing innovative, demand-driven approaches to financing sustainable infrastructure for the future. About AIIB: The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank is a multilateral development bank dedicated to financing 'infrastructure for tomorrow,' with sustainability at its core. AIIB began operations in 2016, now has 110 approved members worldwide, is capitalized at USD100 billion and is AAA-rated by major international credit rating agencies. AIIB collaborates with partners to mobilize capital and invest in infrastructure and other productive sectors that foster sustainable economic development and enhance regional connectivity. About the Arab Fund: The Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development is a regional financial institution based in Kuwait, established in 1972 to support the economic and social development of Arab countries. Through loans, grants, and technical assistance, the Arab Fund finances infrastructure, education, health, water and sanitation and public service projects that contribute to sustainable development and regional cooperation across the Arab world.
Qatar Tribune
27-06-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar to host Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank annual meeting
BEIJING: The State of Qatarwill host the11th Annual Meeting of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank in 2026. Minister of Finance HE Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, representing the State of Qatar, and President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), Jin Liqun signed the agreement for hosting the 2026 Annual Meeting, on the margin of the the Annual Meeting of the AIIB, taking place in Beijing, China. In his speech during the signing ceremony, the Minister stated: "Our capital stands out as a hub for global dialogue and cooperation, and we look forward to welcoming you with Qatari warmth, professionalism, and a deep respect for the multilateral values that unite us." He highlighted the importance of leveraging this event to foster international dialogue on the future of infrastructure, stating: "We hope the Doha Annual Meeting will serve as a platform to deepen the conversation on future infrastructure, whether in sustainable transport, resilient energy systems, or cross-border connectivity projects such as the Development Road in Iraq and other vital corridors across Asia and the Middle East." He reaffirmed Qatar's commitment to supporting the Bank's objectives and enhancing the partnership, saying: "We do not view the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank merely as a financial institution, but rather as a platform for ideas, partnerships, and shared prosperity. Our national vision is built upon principles of diversification, sustainability, and human capital—values we aspire to embody when we host you in Doha." For his part, AIIB President and Chair of the Board of Directors, Jin Liqun said: "Located at the crossroads of Asia, Africa, Europe and South America, Qatar serves as a vital global connector." "Hosting the 2026 Annual Meeting there will open new avenues for interregional collaboration on sustainable infrastructure, connectivity and innovation," he added. Qatar's hosting of this prominent international event reflects its growing stature as a leading regional financial and investment hub and underscores its ongoing commitment to supporting multilateral development initiatives and enhancing international cooperation in infrastructure and sustainable development.
