
The AIIB has a strong connection with the World Bank, with many of its members also being members of the World Bank. This overlap is significant, as it allows for easier collaboration and knowledge-sharing between the two institutions.
The AIIB has 104 members, with 27 of them also being members of the World Bank. This close relationship enables the AIIB to tap into the World Bank's expertise and resources, making it a more effective development finance institution.
As a result of this connection, the AIIB has been able to leverage the World Bank's experience and knowledge in areas such as sustainable development and poverty reduction. This has been particularly beneficial in the AIIB's efforts to support the development of infrastructure and other projects in its member countries.
Membership and Structure
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has a unique structure and membership that sets it apart from other international financial institutions.
The bank is headed by a Board of Governors, composed of one Governor and one Alternate Governor from each member country.
A non-resident Board of Directors oversees the bank's direction and management, including strategy, annual plans, and budget.
The bank's staff is led by a President, who is elected by AIIB shareholders for a five-year term and is eligible for re-election once.
Jin Liqun is the current President of the AIIB as of 2023.
The AIIB has a total of 106 member states, including many outside of the Asian region.
Here's a breakdown of the AIIB's membership:
These member states are qualified to join the AIIB if they are also members of the World Bank or Asian Development Bank.
Ownership and Partnerships
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has a unique ownership structure. The leadership of the AIIB is dominated by China, India, and other countries of the global South.
The AIIB has a diverse membership, with over 100 countries participating. This includes both developed and developing countries, which allows for a broad range of perspectives and expertise.
The AIIB's governance structure is designed to promote collaboration and cooperation among its members. For example, the AIIB has used its capital to back some World Bank loans, demonstrating its willingness to work with other international organizations.
Here is a list of some of the countries that dominate the AIIB's leadership:
- China
- India
- Other countries of the global South
Owned by China?
The AIIB's ownership structure is often a topic of discussion, but let's set the record straight. China only holds about 27% of the bank's voting shares.
This means that the bank is not solely owned by China, as many people might assume. The fact that China's voting power is limited to 27% is a crucial aspect of the AIIB's governance.
India is the next-largest shareholder, with less than 8% of voting power. This highlights the bank's commitment to multilateralism and cooperation among its member countries.
What Is the World Bank?
The World Bank is a lending organization that funds infrastructure projects primarily in the Asia-Pacific region. It's largely dominated by countries from the United States and Europe.
The World Bank lends money to fund infrastructure projects, which is similar to the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). However, the World Bank's leadership is not dominated by countries like China and India, which is in contrast to the AIIB.
The World Bank has a leadership structure that is different from the AIIB, with a more traditional distribution of power among its member countries.
Consider reading: Infrastructure Reits
Sitharaman Meets President
Nirmala Sitharaman met Jin Liqun, president of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, ahead of the 9th Annual Meeting of Board of Governors of AIIB in Samarkand.
Sitharaman congratulated Liqun for successfully leading the AIIB and also its rapid growth in lending operations in a short span of 9 years.
India, being the second largest shareholder and the largest client, has made significant contributions to the governance and overall growth of the bank.
The AIIB president appreciated India's contributions and expressed a desire to explore opportunities to further strengthen ties with India.
With authorised capital of $100 billion, China is the largest shareholder in the AIIB, and 75 per cent of the capital is from Asia.
Working with partners, the AIIB meets clients' needs by unlocking new capital and investing in infrastructure that is green, technology-enabled and promotes regional connectivity.
In 2018, the AIIB was granted Permanent Observer status in the deliberations of both the United Nations General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the USA a member of AIIB?
No, the USA is not a member of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). The US has expressed opposition to the bank due to concerns about its role in the global financial system and China's expansionist agenda.
Who is the 109 member of AIIB?
The 109th member of AIIB is Tanzania. El Salvador and Solomon Islands are also new members, bringing the total to 109.
Sources
- https://www.aiib.org/en/about-aiib/index.html
- https://www.investopedia.com/terms/a/asian-infrastructure-investment-bank-aiib.asp
- https://www.oav.de/iap-32018/artikel-915.html
- https://thediplomat.com/2017/03/china-led-aiib-sees-membership-expansion-whats-next/
- https://www.manoramayearbook.in/current-affairs/india/2024/09/26/asian-infrastructure-investment-bank-aiib.html
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