Doha, September 28 (QNA) - HE Deputy Chair of the Board of Governors of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and Chairman of the State Committee on Investment and State Property Management of Tajikistan Sulton Rahimzoda affirmed that, over the course of a decade, the Bank has evolved into a pivotal development partner, with its projects in roads, power plants and digital networks translating into tangible opportunities for individuals and businesses and greater connectivity between economies.

In his remarks at the opening session of the 11th Annual Meeting of the AIIB Board of Governors, Rahimzoda highlighted the Bank's direct partnership with Tajikistan in the energy and transport sectors. He noted that the Bank had provided USD 270 million in financing for the Rogun Hydropower Plant project, with a commitment to increase the financing to USD 500 million. He noted that the project goes beyond being a national energy project, representing a strategic investment in green energy, sustainable water resource management, climate resilience, job creation, regional trade and the long-term development of the entire region.

HE Rahimzoda highlighted the renewed development momentum in bilateral relations during the current year, reflected in reciprocal visits by senior officials from both sides, which reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepening cooperation. This cooperation culminated in the signing of a roadmap and a phased, multi-year investment program with a total value of USD 800 million.

Rahimzoda called for the Bank to move into its second decade with an approach that is faster, smarter and broader, drawing on innovation, digital technologies and artificial intelligence. He noted that strengthening regional connectivity for landlocked countries can transform geographical constraints into economic opportunities, while expanding investment in green energy, water security and resilient infrastructure can create jobs, improve lives and address climate change.

Concluding his remarks, the First Deputy Chair of the AIIB Board of Governors affirmed his country's readiness to serve as an active partner in the Bank's next phase. He stressed that the fundamental philosophy of infrastructure goes beyond simply connecting places geographically. He noted that it rather lies in connecting people with economic opportunities, linking economies to markets and guiding countries toward a more sustainable and prosperous future.

He expressed his appreciation to the State of Qatar and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank for hosting the meeting in Doha, recalling the Bank's establishment 10 years ago to respond to Asia's infrastructure ambitions through modern financing, partnership, innovation and the efficient mobilization of capital. (QNA)