The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) held a flagship workshop titled "Promoting Resilient Connectivity in Asia and Beyond" during its 9th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors in Samarkand. The event brought together key global figures to discuss the importance of improving regional connectivity and building resilient infrastructure in the face of economic, political, and climate challenges.
The workshop was attended by prominent leaders, including Jin Liqun, AIIB President and Chair of the Board of Directors; Laziz Kudratov, Uzbekistan's Minister of Investment, Industry, and Trade; Sir Danny Alexander, AIIB Vice-President on Policy and Strategy; Kim Fejfer, CEO of A.P. Moller Capital; Liao Min, Vice Minister of Finance of China; Indranee Thurai Rajah, Singapore's Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office; Tatiana Rosito, Brazil's G20 Finance Track Coordinator; and Giada Vercelli, Editorial Consultant and Fitzroy Consultant.
In his opening remarks, Minister Laziz Kudratov emphasized Uzbekistan’s commitment to collaborating with AIIB and international partners to develop high-quality cross-border projects (CBC) that drive sustainable growth.
“As of 2023, CBC projects represent 23% of AIIB’s financing, and we are optimistic about closing the gap to meet AIIB’s ambitious corporate strategy goals,” he noted.
AIIB President Jin Liqun highlighted Central Asia’s crucial role in regional connectivity, stating, “Uzbekistan and Central Asia have much to teach us about the transformative power of connectivity. AIIB’s cross-border projects in Uzbekistan remind us of the country’s pivotal role as a Silk Road trading hub for over 2,500 years. Central Asia is once again at the heart of a connectivity paradigm shift, linking Asia and Europe and becoming a hub for industry and innovation.”
The workshop explored the paradox of connectivity as a key driver of economic growth while being constrained in many regions. Natural disasters and geopolitical events have underscored the need for more resilient infrastructure. Participants discussed the challenges of high transportation costs, long travel durations, and gaps in infrastructure and policy alignment that hinder inter-regional integration. Opportunities to enhance energy and digital connectivity to support decarbonization and the digital economy were also examined.
Furthermore, the event addressed how multilateral development banks (MDBs) and development partners can pool resources to support high-quality cross-border connectivity projects. Discussions focused on strategies to build infrastructure that can withstand economic, political, and climate-related shocks, while also engaging the private sector to mitigate risks and improve both physical and digital infrastructure.
The workshop provided a platform for participants to explore innovative ways to strengthen regional and global connectivity, emphasizing the need for continued investment and cooperation to promote resilient infrastructure and sustainable development.
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