The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) inaugurated its first overseas office on 19 September with the opening ceremony of the Bank's interim operational hub in Abu Dhabi.
AIIB vice president and chief administration officer Luky Eko Wuryanto said: "This milestone reinforces our commitment to strengthen regional partnerships, promote sustainable development and support infrastructure projects for our members.
"The UAE is an excellent choice for our first overseas venture. I am confident this new hub will advance our efforts to enhance sustainable development throughout the region and elsewhere."
Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, director general of Abu Dhabi Fund for Development and UAE's alternate governor at the board of governors of AIIB, said: "Congratulating AIIB on the opening of its operational office," His Excellency Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Fund for Development and UAE's Alternate Governor at the Board of Governors of AIIB, said: "We are delighted and honored by AIIB's decision to open its office in Abu Dhabi.
He added: "The event marks a milestone in the strong strategic partnership between the UAE and the Bank. The move will enable AIIB to leverage our exceptional infrastructure and status as a global investment destination to drive forward its sustainable development agenda with greater momentum, in alignment with our common goals and aspirations. We reaffirm our commitment to supporting AIIB in all its efforts."
AIIB continues to witness rapid growth since its launch in 2016. Choosing Abu Dhabi as its first overseas presence brings the Bank closer to the front lines of its sustainable development work in the Middle East and Africa and lays the groundwork for future regional projects.
Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) said: "Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) is proud to be the chosen location for AIIB's first overseas presence". As the international financial centre of the UAE's capital, we understand the significance of this decision and are committed to supporting AIIB's mission of promoting sustainable development in the Middle East, Africa, and beyond. Together, we will pave the way for future regional projects, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's role as a hub for sustainable innovation and strategic partnerships."
Laval Wong Sick Wah, head of office of AIIB's Interim Operational Hub said: "After more than a year of close collaboration with our partners on the ground here, especially the UAE, we have opened the doors to our first overseas office.
"This momentous occasion builds proximity to our clients, projects and sustainable development colleagues and allows us to gain valuable experience as we endeavor to expand our offices worldwide. Our friends on the ground here in Abu Dhabi and the UAE have worked tirelessly to ensure this day became a reality, and we thank them for that."
