Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, Minister of Finance H E Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, President of AIIB Zou Jiayi with Their Excellencies the Governors and senior officials during the 11th AIIB annual meeting in Doha yesterday.
Doha, Qatar: The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) commenced its 11th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors yesterday in Doha under the theme “Tomorrow’s Infrastructure: Impact and Innovation.” The event was held in the presence of Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani with the participation of Their Excellencies the Governors, senior officials, clients, partners and stakeholders from around the world.
The opening session reviewed the bank’s priorities for the next phase of its development and its role in supporting sustainable development, strengthening resilience and expanding opportunities amid the challenges and changing dynamics facing the global economy.
The annual meeting featured discussions on how multilateral institutions, governments and private-sector partners can respond to infrastructure needs in a new global context, underscoring the importance of mobilising private capital and deepening cooperation across institutions and markets. The meeting marks an important milestone in the bank’s journey as it enters its second decade, reaffirming its continued focus on scaling up investment in sustainable infrastructure across its member economies.
Speaking during the opening session, Minister of Finance H E Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, who is serving as Chair of the AIIB Board of Governors for 2026, reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to strengthening multilateral cooperation and recognising the bank’s contribution to sustainable infrastructure development and enhanced connectivity among its members.
This participation comes within the framework of the Qatar’s efforts to strengthen international cooperation and develop infrastructure that supports sustainable economic growth.
“We are pleased to welcome the members of the AIIB and its partners to Doha for this important meeting. As a founding member of the bank, Qatar remains committed to advancing multilateral cooperation. We value the bank’s contribution to supporting sustainable infrastructure development and enhancing cross-border connectivity among its members. At a time when the world is facing complex challenges, continued investment in sustainable infrastructure and practical cooperation remain essential to supporting growth and resilience,” Minister Al Kuwari said.
He highlighted the resilience of Qatar and its institutions amidst regional circumstances, noting the country’s enduring role as a mediator and a voice advocating for de-escalation and dialogue. This role reinforces Qatar’s international standing and underscores that hosting this event is an extension of its approach rooted in multilateral cooperation. The Minister of Finance further emphasised that Qatar’s hosting of the annual meeting reflects its commitment to supporting international partnerships and strengthening dialogue and cooperation among countries, financial institutions and development partners, contributing to sustainable development efforts and the financing of infrastructure projects that promote growth and shared prosperity.
Minister Al Kuwari underscored the importance of developing integrated infrastructure, which is a key driver in reshaping global supply chains. He stressed that investing in these critical nodes enhances countries’ ability to actively participate in international trade and supports the national economy.
Also delivering the opening remarks, President of AIIB Zou Jiayi set out the bank’s priorities for its next stage of growth, emphasising that infrastructure remains central to development, resilience and opportunity in an increasingly uncertain global environment.
“The bank’s goal for the next stage is to scale up development impact with innovation and integrity. We are builders. Together with our members and partners, let’s build trust, build connections and build Infrastructure for Tomorrow,” Zou said.
She added the bank will aim to double annual financing by 2030, to about $20bn, focusing on infrastructure that supports climate resilience, renewable energy, digital transformation, regional connectivity, nature conservation and people-centered development.
As AIIB enters its second decade, the bank has 111 approved members and continues to expand its infrastructure investment portfolio. Since commencing operations in 2016, the bank has approved financing of more than $79bn for over 400 projects across 43 economies.
