Minister of Finance and Planning, Moosa Zameer, today met with Jin Liqun, President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), on the sidelines of the 10th Annual Meeting of the AIIB Board of Governors in Beijing, China. The meeting reaffirmed the strong partnership between the Maldives and the AIIB and explored avenues for future collaboration to support the Maldives' development agenda.

During the meeting, both parties expressed their readiness to enhance their collaborative efforts. Minister Zameer highlighted the significant ongoing projects in the Maldives that are being supported by the AIIB, including crucial assistance for the nation's recovery from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and financing for the Waste-to-Energy program, which aims to create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly waste management system.

The Minister briefed President Jin on the comprehensive economic reforms being undertaken by the Maldivian government. He emphasized that these reforms are poised to foster robust economic growth. A key driver of this anticipated growth is the major infrastructure development currently underway, most notably the new terminal at Velana International Airport and the establishment of new airports in various regions, which are expected to boost the tourism sector and overall economic activity.

Discussions also centered on the future financing needs of the Maldives. Minister Zameer elaborated on the government's vision for national development and identified key areas where the AIIB's support would be instrumental in achieving these goals

Minister Zameer, who is also the Governor of the AIIB for the Maldives, was accompanied by Dr. Fazeel Najeeb, Ambassador of the Maldives to China; Ali Sajid Shakir, Second Secretary at the Embassy of Maldives in China; Mizna Waheed, Second Secretary at the Embassy of Maldives in China; and, Rauha Ibrahim, Resource Mobilization Analyst, Ministry of Finance and Planning.

In addition to President Jin Liqun, AIIB delegation included Rajat Misra, Acting Chief Investment Officer, and Managers Hari Bhaskar and Toshiaki Keicho.