The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) opened its 10th annual meeting in Beijing on Tuesday, with the three-day event celebrating a decade of advancing infrastructure connectivity and sustainable development across Asia and beyond.
Founded in 2015 as a China-initiated multilateral development bank, AIIB now counts 110 members, covering 81 percent of the global population and 65 percent of global GDP. It has received the highest AAA credit ratings from the three major international rating agencies.
In an exclusive interview with China Media Group (CMG) during the annual meeting, AIIB President Jin Liqun said the bank is expanding its vision to support not only traditional infrastructure but also new forms of development.
"We are now investing in projects under the new infrastructure framework, including digital economy, internet access, and urban renewal such as subway upgrades. All of our projects aim to improve livelihoods, promote economic sustainability, protect the environment and reduce emissio," Jin said.
As of the end of 2024, AIIB has approved 322 projects totaling more than 60 billion U.S. dollars in investments, benefiting 38 members across and beyond Asia. The bank's investments have supported over 51,000 kilometers of transportation infrastructure and improved access to safe drinking water for around 8.7 million people.
Its energy investments have added 21.3 million kilowatts of renewable energy capacity and are expected to reduce nearly 30 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent in emissions annually.
Jin emphasized that AIIB offers more than just funding to help members achieve long-term progress.
"AIIB is the only multilateral development bank where developing countries are the majority shareholders and developed countries are the minority. We focus on the construction and development of infrastructure to drive sustainable growth and poverty reduction. But we're not just providing capital, we also offer technical expertise and a new development philosophy," he said.
AIIB marks 10th anniversary with focus on sustainable, future-oriented infrastructure
AIIB marks 10th anniversary with focus on sustainable, future-oriented infrastructure
