The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) promotes sustainable growth in Asia by investing in infrastructure projects.
Role and activities of the AIIB
The AIIB was founded in 2015 on the initiative of the People’s Republic of China in order to meet the great need for investment in Asia’s infrastructure.
The aim of the AIIB is to close the considerable gap in financing sustainable infrastructure and improve economic and social development in its member countries. By 2025, half of its financing should be climate-relevant. The bank focuses on transportation, energy and water supply, urban development and digitalisation. It uses its own funds and mobilises public and private resources. The AIIB grants loans, provides guarantees and invests in equity capital.
To date, the AIIB has financed over 250 projects worth more than USD thirty billion US dollars. Its largest clients are India, Turkey, China and Indonesia.
Switzerland and the AIIB
Switzerland joined the AIIB as a founding member. Its membership is consistent with Swiss development and foreign economic policy. The AIIB makes a significant contribution to remedying major infrastructure deficiencies, promotes sustainable economic development and combats poverty in the region. Moreover, Switzerland’s membership helps to strengthen its relationship with China and the entire region, offering Swiss entrepreneurs opportunities to expand their business networks in the region.
Switzerland forms a constituency with Denmark, Hungary, Iceland, Norway, Poland, Romania, Sweden, Serbia and the United Kingdom and has an influential role on the Board of Directors.
Switzerland has set the following priorities:
- Results-oriented, effective and targeted financing of development projects according to the AIIB's expertise and priorities;
- Deepening systematic cooperation with other development partners, in particular with multilateral development banks;
- Ensuring compliance with international environmental, social and governance standards;
- Prioritising sustainable infrastructure projects;
- Supporting countries in their transition away from fossil fuels and
- Ensuring adequate capitalisation resources and maintaining the AAA credit rating.
