Zou Jiayi: Key Candidate for AIIB Presidency Amid Global Financial Shifts

Zou Jiayi: A New Era for the AIIB

China has nominated Zou Jiayi, a former vice-minister of finance, as its candidate for the next president of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), the China-headquartered development bank with investments worth tens of billions of dollars. Zou is expected to replace outgoing founding president Jin Liqun, who will step down after finishing his second five-year term on January 15, 2026.

Election Timeline and Expectations

The AIIB confirmed that nominations would remain open until April 30 and that an election for the next president is anticipated to occur at the tenth annual meeting of its board of governors in late June in Beijing. Given that China holds the largest voting share in the organization, Zou is the clear favorite.

Zou Jiayi's Background and Experience

• Zou, aged 61, hails from Jiangsu province in eastern China and currently serves as deputy secretary general of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference.
• She is one of the few female members of the Communist Party’s 20th Central Committee.
• Her nomination arrives during a pivotal moment in development finance, as US President Donald Trump seeks to withdraw support for foreign aid, allowing China to expand its influence through the AIIB.

The AIIB's Impact on Global Development

The AIIB, a significant part of China's Belt and Road Initiative, aims to fund projects across the Global South. Since its inception in 2016, the bank has funded 309 projects, totalling nearly US$60 billion. With 110 global members, it stands as the world's second-largest multilateral development bank after the World Bank by membership.

Zou's Influential Career

With over three decades in China's financial and regulatory systems, Zou rose through the ranks at the Ministry of Finance, becoming vice-minister in 2018. She has also played a crucial role in shaping AIIB's operations. Her past experience includes serving as China's executive director at the World Bank and governor of the International Fund for Agricultural Development.

Summary of Zou's Qualifications

The Ministry of Finance has emphasized Zou's extensive experience, strong leadership skills, and exceptional judgment as she moves forward as a candidate for the AIIB presidency.