NEW DELHI: India’s part time Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Piyush Goyal said that India is looking forward to investments in 9 more projects from Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank after having picked up almost 28% of the bank’s total lending so far of US$1.4 billion for 7 projects.
The Finance Minister, Goyal was addressing a Press Conference today on the sidelines of the Third Annual Meeting of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) which began in Mumbai today.
Welcoming delegates from 86 countries, Goyal ointed out that in just three short years, India has hosted three major events for international multilateral banks; the New Development Bank (NDB), African Development Bank (ADB) and now the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) in quick succession.
Lauding AIIB for its robust processes, Goyal said that it is a matter of great pride that a concept that was floated in 2014 was able to mature in 6-7 months, and by 2015 we had a Multilateral Development Bank in place with India being the second largest stakeholder with over 8% stake.’
Goyal said thatAIIB has focused its investment in India on lending to rural infrastructure, energy and power, environmental protection, transportation and telecommunication, water supply and sanitation and urban development and logistics and it is a matter of great pride that India is the largest recipient of the $4.2 billion funds disbursed by it which constitutes 28% of its total investment so far.Attributing robust framework and easy to navigate policies being the key reasons for the investment flow into infrastructure in the country,
theUnion Finance Minister said that India is a sweet spot where the rule of law prevails to attract investments.”Earlier participating in theGovernors Seminar-I on the theme of ‘Mobilizing Finance for Infrastructure’, the FinanceMinister pointed-out that integrity of people and process would decide the investment discourse.
The Minister mentioned that Mumbai as a city has improved its ranking in Swachhta Index significantly during the last few years and is engaging with international global efforts for better quality of life.
By 2022, theGovernmentas part of the Prime Minister’s plan will ensure every citizen to have shelter on his head, 24×7 electricity, good toilet, clean drinking water, access by road to his house and internet connectivity, he said.
Industries Department, Government of Maharashtra is the nodal Department, Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), Government of Maharashtra is the nodal agency, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is the Professional Conference Organiser (PCO), Research and Information Systems for Developing Countries (RIS) is the knowledge partner, for the third Annual Meeting of AIIB.
About AIIB
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is a multilateral development bank with a mission to improve social and economic outcomes in Asia and beyond. Headquartered in Beijing, we commenced operations in January 2016 and have now grown to 86 approved members from around the world. By investing in sustainable infrastructure and other productive sectors today, we will better connect people, services and markets that over time will impact the lives of billions and build a better future.