AIIB, IsDB Group join forces to grow sustainable infrastructure

MUMBAI - The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the Islamic Development Bank Group (IsDB Group) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a framework for strategic cooperation, including actively seeking to co-finance projects in common areas of operations.

The overarching theme of the MoU will be "Mobilizing Financing for Infrastructure: Innovation & Collaboration," the AIIB said on its website on Monday.

Signed during AIIB's Third Annual Meeting in Mumbai, the MoU allows the two banks to foster collaboration, share information and facilitate knowledge exchanges on development finance, Islamic finance and integrity mechanisms.

The MoU will have a strong focus on sustainable infrastructure including development of energy and power, transportation and telecommunications, rural infrastructure water supply and sanitation, environmental protection, urban development and logistics.

"An agreement between our banks is a natural fit because we are both dedicated to development and helping our members promote growth and economic opportunity," AIIB President Jin Liqun was quoted as saying.

"We have complementary skill sets and expertise. We believe working together on joint investments and initiatives will strengthen our capacity to deliver on our respective missions and benefit our members," he said.

"We are delighted to strengthen our partnership with AIIB," IsDB Group President Bandar M.H. Hajjar was quoted as saying, adding that "IsDB Group looks forward to jointly strengthening the effectiveness and sustainability of our banks' operations and to looking for new ways to stimulate the region's economic growth together."

The MoU creates opportunities for better communication and working relationship between AIIB and IsDB Group. Among other activities, the banks intend to share knowledge and exchange experiences among employees through joint temporary assignments, secondments and training, AIIB said.