From the ridgelines of Laos to the boardrooms of global finance, the Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is celebrating a major milestone: a decade of multilateral cooperation driving sustainable growth 🌱✨
Monsoon Wind Power Project: A green game-changer
The first wind power project in Laos and the largest single wind power venture in Southeast Asia, Monsoon Wind spans 133 turbines across Dak Cheung and Sanxay. Achieving full-capacity operation in August 2025, it will generate about 1.72 billion kWh annually and cut carbon emissions by 1.56 million tonnes.
A decade of impact
Founded in 2015 and operational from January 16, 2016 after an inauguration ceremony in Beijing, the Chinese mainland, the AIIB started with 57 founding members. Chinese President Xi Jinping said at the ceremony, "I hope and believe that through the joint efforts of all member states, the AIIB will become a new multilateral development bank for the 21st century that is professional, efficient and clean in operation." Today, with 110 members across six continents, the AIIB covers 81% of the world’s population and 65% of global GDP. Colombia joined as a prospective member in November 2025.
With AAA credit ratings since 2017, the bank has approved nearly $70 billion in financing for 360 projects, mobilizing over $200 billion in infrastructure investment. From 51,000 km of roads improving travel for 410 million people to energy projects cutting 30 million tonnes of CO2e each year, and initiatives delivering safe drinking water to 8.7 million people, AIIB’s footprint speaks volumes.
Projects that power change
In 2016, a $165 million grid upgrade in rural Bangladesh brought electricity to 12.5 million residents. A 2023 rural road project in Côte d'Ivoire has opened access to hospitals and markets even during floods. Across Asia, Africa and beyond, AIIB projects are closing infrastructure gaps and transforming lives.
A platform for cooperation
With developing members holding about 70% of shares, the AIIB runs on consensus. Over 100 partnerships with multilateral institutions have led to more than 130 jointly financed projects. Founding President Jin Liqun notes, "Our project benefits people's livelihoods and sustainable development while effectively enhancing the development capabilities of our member countries."
Selçuk Colakoglu, director of the Turkish Centre for Asia-Pacific Studies, said, "China has taken proactive measures to promote global cooperation, governance, and development in response to severe challenges in the field of global development."
As Zou Jiayi takes the helm from January 16, 2026, and Colombia moves closer to full membership, the AIIB is set to harness collective wisdom and continue strengthening multilateral collaboration worldwide. 🌍🤝
Reference(s):
Multilateral cooperation highlighted in AIIB's decade-long growth
cgtn.com
