The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) concluded its 10th Annual Meeting in Beijing on June 26, 2025, with the election of China’s former Vice-Finance Minister Zou Jiayi as its new president.
She will take office on January 16, 2026, marking a significant leadership transition at the China-led multilateral development bank.
Key Points:
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Zou Jiayi will succeed Jin Liqun as the second president of AIIB, starting her five-year term from January 2026.
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AIIB now boasts 110 member countries, making it the second-largest multilateral development bank after the World Bank.
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During the annual meeting, AIIB approved its Corporate Strategy 2030, which includes doubling annual financing to USD 17 billion by 2030 and increasing focus on climate-related projects.
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Over 50% of AIIB’s funding has recently been allocated to climate finance, aligning with global sustainability goals.
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The bank plans to expand its global footprint by opening regional offices in Hong Kong, Singapore, and London, in addition to its Abu Dhabi branch.
About Zou Jiayi
Zou Jiayi is a seasoned financial administrator with more than three decades of experience in China’s economic and financial policy. She has represented China in key international financial institutions such as the World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB), and AIIB itself. Her appointment as the first female president of AIIB signifies a new phase of leadership as the bank intensifies its focus on climate action, cross-border connectivity, and private capital mobilization.