Ethiopia Showcases Reform Leadership, Strengthens Strategic Partnerships at AIIB’s 10th Annual Meeting

Addis Ababa June 30, 2025  (ENA) --  Ethiopia’s Minister of Finance and Vice Chair of the Board of Governors of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) for the 2024/25 term, Ahmed Shide successfully concluded his participation in the Bank’s 10th Annual Meeting, held from June 24–26, 2025, in Beijing, China.

The minister played a prominent role at this milestone gathering, which brought together high-level government and institutional leaders from across AIIB’s global membership.

Ahmed delivered a keynote address during the opening ceremony, which was opened by Premier Li Qiang of the People’s Republic of China, where he presented Ethiopia’s reform experience and development vision.

 

In his address, the Minister underscored Ethiopia’s transformation under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, emphasizing the progress made through the Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda.

This nationally led initiative focuses on restoring macroeconomic stability, revitalizing private sector investment, improving governance, and positioning Ethiopia as a resilient and forward-looking economy.

He also reaffirmed Ethiopia’s strong commitment to climate action and environmental stewardship through the Green Legacy Initiative, a flagship program personally championed by the Prime Minister.

 

The Minister framed both initiatives as evidence of Ethiopia’s leadership in forging inclusive, climate-smart, and homegrown solutions to shared global challenges.

As Vice Chair of the AIIB Annual Meeting, Minister Ahmed Shide moderated the Governors’ Business Roundtable, which focused on fostering sustainable connectivity and infrastructure development across regions.

He also played a key role in the election of Zou Jiayi as the next President of the AIIB, extending Ethiopia’s congratulations and expressing confidence in her leadership to guide the institution into its next phase of impact.

In his bilateral meeting with Jin Liqun, the outgoing AIIB President, Minister Ahmed commended his decade of service in building AIIB into a globally respected institution.

 

Discussions touched on avenues to strengthen AIIB’s engagement in Ethiopia, particularly in sectors such as transport, energy, and municipal infrastructure.

 

On the sidelines of the Annual Meeting, Ahmed Shide held a series of strategic bilateral discussions with leaders of key financial institutions and development partners, including with Lan Fo’an, Chair of the AIIB Board of Governors and Minister of Finance of the People’s Republic of China, Ali Al Kuwari, Minister of Finance of the State of Qatar.

He also conferred with China Development Bank, Export-Import Bank of China and as well as with Industrial and Commercial Bank of China.

 

These exchanges focused on deepening cooperation in development finance, advancing priority infrastructure projects, and exploring innovative instruments to support Ethiopia’s growth and resilience agenda.

 

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Ethiopia remains committed to strengthening multilateralism, accelerating green and inclusive growth, and expanding strategic partnerships that deliver results for its people and the continent.

Ethiopia will continue working with AIIB and other key institutions to support the country’s Ten-Year Development Plan and its broader regional integration agenda.