AIIB President Zou Jiayi on Financing Asia's Green Transition

Zou Jiayi, president and chairwoman of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), discusses the bank's role in financing Asia's green transition. The AIIB, a multilateral development lender headquartered in Beijing, was inaugurated in 2016. Prior to leading the AIIB, Zou served as deputy secretary general of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and held senior roles at the Ministry of Finance, including vice-minister. She brings over three decades of experience in economic policy and international finance. The interview focuses on how the AIIB is prioritizing sustainable infrastructure projects across Asia to combat climate change and promote green growth. Zou emphasizes the need for innovative financing mechanisms and collaboration with other development banks and private sector partners. The AIIB has committed to aligning its operations with the Paris Agreement goals and increasing climate-related investments. Zou also addresses challenges such as balancing development needs with environmental sustainability and ensuring equitable access to green financing for poorer nations. The article highlights specific projects and strategies the AIIB is employing to accelerate the region's transition to a low-carbon economy.