Nepal has been appointed as the vice president of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) for 2027, representing non-regional member countries.
This decision was made during the 11th Annual Meeting of the AIIB Board of Governors in Doha, Qatar. Ireland was also selected to represent the non-regional member group as a vice president.
Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle, who serves as Nepal’s governor to the AIIB, officially assumed the vice-presidential role at the annual meeting.
During the Governors’ Business Round table, Wagle highlighted the crucial role of infrastructure investment in fostering economic growth in developing and least-developed countries.
He called for increased investment in key sectors like roads, electricity, and information technology. Wagle emphasized the need for AIIB financing to be more concessional and aligned with the needs of developing nations like Nepal.
He also pointed out the importance of financing mechanisms that attract both domestic and international private investment, as private capital can significantly enhance infrastructure development.
The 2026 AIIB Annual Meeting in Doha will focus on the theme “Tomorrow’s Infrastructure: Impact and Innovation,” bringing together government officials, policy makers, financial institutions, and other stakeholders to discuss infrastructure investment and the future direction of the bank.
Nepal’s role as an AIIB vice president will provide the country with a formal position in the bank’s governance over the next year, along with increased participation in discussions about infrastructure financing and development priorities.