12/16/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 12/16/2024 01:34
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has signed a Grant Agreement with the People's Republic of China (China), confirming a USD300-million contribution to the Bank's Special Fund Window (the Fund) for less developed members. The agreement was signed by AIIB Governor and Minister of Finance of China, Lan Foan, and AIIB President and Chair of the Board of Directors, Jin Liqun, during Lan's visit to AIIB.
The Special Fund Window, approved by AIIB's Board of Directors in 2022, aims to enhance the affordability of AIIB loans for its less developed members by providing interest-rate buy-downs. Since its inception, the Fund has played a crucial role in helping IDA-eligible members with constrained debt capacities access AIIB financing with increased concessional elements. Sufficient resourcing through the Fund should enable AIIB to strengthen partnerships with bilateral, multilateral and philanthropic organizations, as well as to mobilize additional concessional financing and maximize financial leverage, driving greater impact in less developed Members.
Lan also joined with Jin in signing a memorandum of understanding for China to host AIIB's 10th Annual Meeting in Beijing in June 2025. It will be the first Annual Meeting held physically in China since the Bank's inaugural Annual Meeting in 2016, affording an opportunity for shareholders and stakeholders from around the world to gather to discuss the Bank's priorities and reaffirm its commitment to financing resilient and sustainable infrastructure. Ahead of the Annual Meeting, AIIB will organize a series of lead-up events to foster broader engagement with the Host Country and the region.
Lan congratulated AIIB on its impressive achievements in 2024 and stated: "The year 2025 marks the 10th anniversary of AIIB's establishment, a pivotal milestone in its continued development. China will host AIIB's 10th Annual Meeting, working with all parties to comprehensively review the Bank's successful journey from its founding to full operation, outline a vision for its growth over the next decade, and collaboratively build AIIB into an innovative platform for shared prosperity."
Jin expressed appreciation for China's unwavering support for the Bank and remarked: "China's continued support for AIIB has been instrumental in advancing our shared mission to foster sustainable development and inclusive growth throughout the economies in which we operate. As we look ahead to hosting AIIB's 10th Annual Meeting in Beijing, we remain committed to strengthening partnerships and driving transformative outcomes that benefit all our members."
About AIIB
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is a multilateral development bank whose mission is Financing Infrastructure for Tomorrow in Asia and beyond-infrastructure with sustainability at its core. We began operations in Beijing in 2016 and have since grown to 110 approved members worldwide. We are capitalized at USD100 billion and AAA-rated by the major international credit rating agencies. Collaborating with partners, AIIB meets clients' needs by unlocking new capital and investing in infrastructure that is green, technology-enabled and promotes regional connectivity.