Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) President Zou Jiayi stressed the critical role of multilateral cooperation in sustaining long-term investment and supporting shared growth amid rising global economic uncertainty during a financial forum in Hong Kong on Monday.  

Speaking at the 2026 Asian Financial Forum, Zou pointed out that the global economy is facing a convergence of challenges, including a weakening of traditional drivers of global growth such as strong investment and integrated value chains.

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Across Asia and beyond, countries continue to face pressing needs for reliable energy, resilient infrastructure, digital connectivity, effective climate mitigation, and adaptation, Zou said, adding that these needs are becoming increasingly urgent as borrowing costs rise and public budgets come under strain.

She outlined key priorities for fostering cooperation and shared success, including creating more room for long-term investments through enhanced cooperation, mobilizing private capital alongside public finance, and ensuring that innovation and climate transition proceed responsibly and swiftly.

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Zou emphasized that cooperation is essential to manage uncertainty, sustain confidence, and maintain momentum in long-term investments, describing multilateral cooperation as "an economic imperative".

Highlighting the unique role of multilateral development banks, Zou mentioned these institutions serve as platforms for cooperation and trust. They have the ability to gather governments, private investors, and partners, pooling expertise and transforming shared priorities into tangible projects.

Zou cited three AIIB-supported projects in Türkiye, Indonesia, and Kazakhstan as examples of how multilateral cooperation facilitates sustainable investment across a variety of country contexts.

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Looking forward, Zou expressed her commitment to deepening AIIB's development impact, upholding multilateralism, and collaborating closely with partners, including AIIB members, peer multilateral development banks, and other financial institutions, to direct long-term capital into productive and sustainable development endeavors.

Since commencing operations in 2016, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank has grown into a prominent multilateral development bank with 111 approved members worldwide.

Contact the writer at irismuk@chinadailyhk.com