Addis ababa: Ethiopia and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) have reaffirmed their dedication to enhancing collaboration and partnership, focusing on infrastructure development. Vice President of AIIB, Ajay Bhushan Pandey, acknowledged Ethiopia's ongoing economic reforms and the government's commitment to advancing infrastructure projects.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the meeting between Ethiopia's Minister of Finance, Ahmed Shide, and AIIB Vice President Ajay Bhushan Pandey took place during the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Annual Meetings. Minister Ahmed emphasized the need for expanded concessional financing to support developing countries in infrastructure and climate action priorities.
Minister Ahmed, who served as the former Vice Chair of the AIIB Board of Governors, praised the Bank for its accomplishments over the last decade in securing resources for essential infrastructure needs. He provided an update on the new International Airport mega project, stating that preparatory discussions have already begun, and highlighted AIIB's role in supporting other key projects in Ethiopia, especially within the energy sector.
The Vice President of AIIB affirmed the Bank's commitment to deepening its partnership with Ethiopia and supporting the country's journey toward sustainable economic growth. Both parties agreed to enhance collaboration by mobilizing AIIB's resources to fund transformational infrastructure projects, with a focus on transportation, energy, and connectivity, among other priorities.