by Xinhua writers Ren Jun and Zhou Qianxian
BEIJING, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) plans to double its annual approved financing to about 20 billion U.S. dollars by 2030 to further meet members' development needs, AIIB President Zou Jiayi said in a recent interview with Xinhua in Beijing.
In Zou's view, the AIIB's plan to double lending requires a commitment to turning financing into real development outcomes, using more innovative financing tools, upstream project preparation and broader partnerships as well as upholding multilateralism and maintaining professionalism, prudence and high-standard governance.
The bank has always upheld the principle of multilateralism and supported members in achieving long-term and sustainable development, Zou noted.
Multilateralism is also a form of infrastructure, one that builds mutual trust and promotes cooperation, enabling countries to jointly address challenges and achieve development even when they have differences, she added.
"While expanding lending, we will continue to innovate business models and lending products, ensure projects are implemented effectively and deliver development impact," Zou said.
The AIIB has maintained steady growth momentum. This year, the bank approved its first project in South Africa to support urban governance and operations. Through a debt guarantee, it supported Pakistan in issuing its first panda bond in China, while the bank also launched the Energy, Food Security and Economic Resilience Facility, via which it has supported Bangladesh and Fiji in strengthening their fiscal, climate and disaster resilience.
The 11th annual meeting of its board of governors is scheduled to take place on Sept. 28 and 29 in Doha, Qatar. With the theme "Tomorrow's Infrastructure: Impact and Innovation," the meeting marks the AIIB's transition into its second decade, and highlights its continued focus on scaling up sustainable infrastructure investment across AIIB members.
The annual meeting aims to seek guidance from AIIB governors on the AIIB's development direction for the next growth phase, offer a platform for deepening international cooperation and partnerships, and catalyze greater public and private investment in infrastructure.
Since taking office in January this year, Zou has visited about 30 member countries in Asia, Africa and Europe, and exchanged views with representatives from their governments, development partners and the private sector.
The members hope the AIIB can provide more infrastructure financing to support their green and low-carbon transition and the development of transport corridors, digital infrastructure and other areas, Zou revealed.
"Although our members are at different stages of development, their need is highly consistent: infrastructure is a key underpinning for development," she said.
Since the AIIB began operations in 2016, its membership has grown to 111, with over 400 projects approved, benefiting 43 members within and beyond Asia.
"In a world fraught with risks and challenges, the AIIB will continue to uphold the principles of openness, inclusiveness and collaboration, promote regional cooperation, deepen connectivity between Asia and the world, and contribute greater certainty to global sustainable development and international cooperation," Zou said. ■
