AIIB President Ms. Zou Jiayi Arrives in Fiji
July 28, 2026
The Honourable Minister for Finance, Hon. Esrom Immanuel, today held a bilateral meeting with the President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, Ms. Zou Jiayi, at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva.
Welcoming President Zou, Minister Immanuel highlighted the significance of the visit as a strong demonstration of AIIB’s commitment to Fiji and the wider region. He noted that Fiji was honoured to be among the first countries visited during President Zou’s tenure.
The Minister expressed Government’s sincere appreciation for AIIB’s continued support, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic and the global fuel and energy crisis. He acknowledged AIIB as a trusted development partner that has played a key role in supporting Fiji’s economic recovery and reform efforts.
Discussions highlighted AIIB’s financing support to Fiji, including policy-based loans that have strengthened fiscal resilience, improved public financial management, and supported private sector-led growth.
Minister Immanuel also underscored the importance of ongoing collaboration on infrastructure development, particularly the proposed Strengthening Climate Resilience of Rural Infrastructure Project (SCRIP), which aims to enhance the resilience of roads and water systems to climate change impacts.
The meeting further provided an opportunity to outline Fiji’s development priorities, including climate-resilient infrastructure, renewable energy, water and sanitation systems, digital connectivity, and disaster risk management.
On behalf of Pacific Island countries, the Minister encouraged AIIB to consider establishing a dedicated concessional financing facility for the region, recognising the unique vulnerabilities and financing challenges faced by Small Island Developing States.
