KATHMANDU: Finance Minister Dr Swarnim Wagle has returned to Nepal after attending the annual meeting of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) in Doha, Qatar.
Wagle left Kathmandu for Doha on September 26 to participate in the meeting, which was held on September 28 and 29 under the theme “Tomorrow’s Infrastructure: Impact and Innovation.” The 2026 Annual Meeting marked AIIB’s transition into its second decade and highlighted the bank’s continued focus on expanding investment in sustainable infrastructure across its member countries.
According to the Finance Minister’s Secretariat, the Doha meeting was productive in expanding AIIB investment in Nepal’s infrastructure development, facilitating technology transfer and creating opportunities for greater cooperation among member countries.
The meeting elected Finance Minister and AIIB Governor Wagle as vice-chair of the AIIB for 2026–27. Nepal was elected to the position from among the bank’s regional member countries.
Speaking at the Governors’ Business Roundtable held during the meeting, Wagle emphasized the need to increase investment in productive sectors, including roads, electricity, communications and information technology, alongside ensuring access to the necessary capital.
He suggested that AIIB financing should be made as favourable as possible to meet the specific needs of countries such as Nepal, attract domestic and foreign private investment and promote productive investments aligned with national priorities.
According to the Finance Minister’s Secretariat, Wagle held discussions with the AIIB chair and finance ministers from Qatar, India, Bangladesh, Armenia and Georgia on bilateral interests, economic cooperation, investment expansion and support for Nepal’s post-disaster reconstruction efforts.
Nepal’s election as AIIB vice-chair marks the country’s first appointment to the position. The Finance Minister’s Secretariat said the appointment is expected to create additional opportunities for Nepal’s infrastructure development through increased AIIB investment, technology transfer and international cooperation.
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