DHAKA, May 8, 2024 (BSS) - Finance Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali today visited the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) Abu Dhabi Hub Office, which is the first overseas mission of AIIB, operational since September 2023.

Welcomed by Yuanjiang Sun, Head of the Hub, and senior officials of the Bank, the Finance Minister's visit was recognized as pivotal in fostering robust development cooperation between AIIB and Bangladesh.

After a tour of the facilities, the Finance Minister engaged in discussions with AIIB officials, reviewing the status of ongoing and pipeline projects in Bangladesh, said a press release.

They explored further cooperation opportunities in renewable energy, transportation, smart city development, water supply, urban development, and other potential sectors.

While appreciating AIIB's partnership with Bangladesh to promoting sustainable infrastructure and fostering economic growth of the country, the Finance Minister reiterated Bangladesh's continued support for the Bank's endeavors in the region and beyond.

He expressed optimism that the AIIB Abu Dhabi Hub would contribute significantly to realizing AIIB's agenda in the region.

Ambassador of Bangladesh to the UAE Abu Zafar and Additional Secretary of ERD Anwar Hossain, among others, accompanied the Finance Minister during the visit.

AIIB, a multilateral development bank, strives to promote sustainable infrastructure development and regional connectivity, prioritizing economic growth, poverty reduction, and environmental sustainability.

Bangladesh is a founding member of AIIB and the Finance Minister is a member of the Board of Governors of the Bank. Bangladesh is currently the 5th largest recipient of AIIB's financing. In the afternoon, the Finance Minister visited the Embassy of Bangladesh in Abu Dhabi.

There, he toured the facilities at the chancery, which are dedicated to providing consular and welfare services to the expatriate Bangladeshi community.

Engaging in discussions with embassy officials, he expressed satisfaction with the embassy's activities and its expatriate-friendly environment.

The Finance Minister is presently in Abu Dhabi for a three-day visit to attend the 13th AIM (Annual Investment Meeting) Congress-2024 at the invitation of the UAE government.

Apart from participating in the AIM events, he engaged in bilateral meetings with UAE dignitaries, fostering fruitful discussions aimed at enhancing bilateral relations through meaningful engagements.

The Finance Minister is expected to return home tomorrow.