SAMARKAND, Uzbekistan, September 25. The opening ceremony of the annual meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has taken place in Samarkand, Trend reports.
This is the first event that the bank holds in Central Asia. The theme of the annual meeting is “Building Sustainable Infrastructure for All”.
The opening ceremony marks the start of the Ninth Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors, with speeches from the Board members, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of the AIIB Jin Lunq.
Mirziyoyev stressed that the choice to hold the bank's ninth meeting in Uzbekistan is a shining example of cooperation based on mutual respect and trust.
"Uzbekistan highly appreciates the contribution of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Currently, 15 projects are being implemented with the bank in the fields of infrastructure, energy, transport, water supply, and sustainable development, amounting to $3 billion. As a result, Uzbekistan has become one of the bank's top 10 largest partners. For example, a project to improve the water supply system in the Bukhara region, worth $720 million, is being implemented in cooperation with the AIIB to provide uninterrupted access to clean drinking water for nearly 1.5 million people, or the launch of the Bukhara-Khiva railway electrification project creates an opportunity to attract an additional one million tourists to the city of Khiva each year," he said.
The head of state pointed out that Uzbekistan and the AIIB agreed to implement a program of projects worth another $4 billion over the next three years.
Addressing the ceremony attendantds, AIIB President, Chairman of the Board of Directors Jin Liqun emphasized that AIIB highly values the level of cooperation with Uzbekistan.
"This year has been particularly significant for our bilateral relations, alongside your government's ambitious program for nation-building projects, such as new transport infrastructure, major investments in social infrastructure like hospitals and schools, and the boundless potential in renewable energy. I look forward to attracting public and private investments to Uzbekistan over the next five to ten years," he said.
Next, the event featured speeches by the bank co-chairs - Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, Second Minister of Finance and National Development of Singapore Indrani Thurai Raja, as well as Secretary of International Affairs, Coordinator of the G20 Financial Agenda of of Brazil's Foreign Ministry Tatiana Rosito.
Rajah highlighted AIIB's collaborative efforts in Uzbekistan, particularly the co-financing of a 220-megawatt solar power plant, which promises to enhance the country's energy resilience while ensuring no net loss to biodiversity or negative environmental impacts.
She expressed her enthusiasm for the rich discussions that are expected over the coming days, noting that many more inspirational projects would be shared, showcasing the tangible benefits of AIIB's initiatives.
In her speech, Rosito highlighted Brazil’s focus for its upcoming G20 Presidency in 2024, which will prioritize the fight against hunger, poverty, and inequality, alongside combating climate change. Under the theme "Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet," Brazil aims to address pressing global challenges through coordinated action.
"I am proud to be part of this forum today, where we are addressing one of the most urgent challenges of our time: ensuring that infrastructure is resilient, inclusive, and able to withstand the growing impacts of climate change," Rosito added.
AIIB is a multilateral development bank that finances sustainable, eco-friendly, and technological infrastructure to enhance the social and economic well-being of people in Asia and beyond. As of today, AIIB has 109 members. The bank focuses on supporting sustainable infrastructure, strengthening cross-border connections, and mobilizing private capital.
In Central Asia, AIIB plays a key role in promoting regional connectivity, improving energy and water resource management, and stimulating economic growth, in line with its vision of financing the infrastructure of the future.
Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
