Connectivity and regional cooperation is one of AIIB’s thematic priorities and the Bank is targeting to contribute 25-30 percent of its portfolio by 2030 toward this sector. While evidence shows that investing in sustainable cross-border infrastructure is essential to boost economy and prosperity, cross-border infrastructure is challenged with unique complexities such as differing regulations, priorities, capacities and asymmetric economic benefits. On top of this, climate change and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic are testing the resilience of the existing regional cooperation ecosystems.

Multilateral development organizations play an important role in promoting regional development. Connectivity, sharing experiences and lessons learned among development partners creates an excellent opportunity for mutual learning and to explore innovative approaches to ongoing challenges.

This high-level session brought together officials from development partners and AIIB Members to discuss current initiatives and strategies adopted to enhance investments in cross-border connectivity projects. Through the review of actual projects and case studies, the panel discussed how enhancing cross-border connectivity supports the achievement of resilient and sustainable socioeconomic development. The panel also deliberated on the role which development partners, policy makers and private sectors can play to contribute efficiently to cross-border connectivity.

Speakers:

• Fatima Yasmin, Secretary, Economic Relations Division, Ministry of Finance, Bangladesh
• D. J. Pandian, Vice President, Investment Operations (Region 1), AIIB
• Shixin Chen, Vice President (Operations 1), Asian Development Bank
• Martin Raiser, Country Director, China, Korea and Mongolia, World Bank
• Zhongjing Wang, Chief Executive Officer, Multilateral Cooperation Center for Development Finance