Doha:Kathmandu Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle has returned home after attending the annual meeting of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) held in Doha, Qatar.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Dr. Wagle participated in the meeting from September 28-29, which focused on the theme ‘Tomorrow’s Infrastructure Impact and Innovation.’ The meeting highlighted AIIB’s commitment to enhancing investment in sustainable infrastructure as it enters its second decade.
The event was productive in terms of expanding AIIB’s investment in Nepal’s infrastructure development, facilitating technology transfer, and fostering cooperation among member countries, as stated by the Finance Minister’s Secretariat. During the meeting, Dr. Wagle was elected as the Vice-Chair for 2026-27, a position Nepal secured from among the regional member countries.
At the ‘Governors Business Round Table’ event, Dr. Wagle emphasized the need to increase investments in sectors such as roads, electricity, communication, and information technology. He highlighted the importance of aligning bank investments with Nepal’s needs to attract both domestic and foreign private capital.
Dr. Wagle also engaged in discussions with the AIIB chair and finance ministers from Qatar, India, Bangladesh, Armenia, and Georgia, focusing on bilateral interests, economic cooperation, and support for Nepal’s post-disaster reconstruction.
This marks the first time Nepal has been elected as vice-chair of the AIIB, a move that is expected to enhance opportunities for infrastructure development through increased investment and collaboration, according to the Finance Minister’s Secretariat.