AIIB president says multilateral cooperation key to Asia's green, digital transformation

Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) President Zou Jiayi said on Thursday that multilateral cooperation has become an important driver of Asia's green and digital transformation, as climate challenges and digital revolution reshape global industrial structures and growth models.

Speaking at the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2026 in south China's Hainan Province, Zou said Asia is seeing rapid growth in renewable energy, while digital technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) are being integrated more swiftly into energy systems, transport networks and urban governance, driving continued innovation in development models.

While AI helps optimize energy demand and industrial processes, the fast-growing digital economy also increases electricity consumption, underscoring the need for clean and resilient power systems, Zou noted.

Zou said multilateral development banks, including the AIIB, have an important role to play in advancing such transformation through cooperation. The AIIB is supporting its members by investing in infrastructure for tomorrow, mobilizing private capital and promoting cross-border cooperation.

Climate-related investment has accounted for more than half of the bank's annual financing for several consecutive years and continues to rise, she said, adding that the AIIB is also using innovative tools to narrow funding gaps, expand private capital participation, and provide more flexible support for sectors including renewable energy and digital infrastructure.

Regional cooperation is another key force driving the transformation, Zou said. Taking the ASEAN Power Grid initiative as an example, she said connecting the power systems of different countries will help integrate renewable energy and enhance regional energy security.

At a time of rising global uncertainty, Zou said that Asia's progress in cooperation, investment and innovation will contribute not only to the region's prosperity but also to a more sustainable and inclusive global economy.

Founded in 2001, the Boao Forum for Asia is a non-governmental and non-profit international organization committed to promoting regional economic integration and bringing Asian countries closer to their development goals.

Running from March 24 to 27, this year's conference is themed "Shaping a Shared Future: New Dynamics, New Opportunities, New Cooperation."