The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) marks its tenth operational anniversary on Friday, having cumulatively approved nearly 70 billion U.S. dollars in financing and supporting 40 member economies across Asia and beyond.

Since its launch on January 16, 2016, the bank has grown from 57 founding members to 111 today, establishing itself as a key global multilateral institution. Over its first decade, the AIIB has approved 361 projects spanning energy, transport, digital economy, urban renewal and other key sectors.

AIIB's newly appointed President and Chair of the Board of Directors, Zou Jiayi, said that the bank will continue upholding multilateralism, deepening regional cooperation and supporting high-quality, sustainable infrastructure. She added that the institution aims to foster economic growth, promote digitalization, protect natural environment and enhance connectivity in order to create more development opportunities for its members.

Looking ahead, the AIIB chief expressed the bank's readiness to work closely with members and partners to advance more projects through practical action, increase development effectiveness, strengthen regional resilience and promote sustainable development in Asia and beyond.