The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the New Development Bank (NDB) have jointly committed USD 75 million in financing to City Bank PLC (CBL), a leading private commercial bank in Bangladesh, to promote sustainable infrastructure development. AIIB is providing USD 50 million, while NDB is contributing USD 25 million, marking the first on-lending facility by these multilateral institutions to a private bank in Bangladesh. The financing aims to catalyze investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency, e-mobility, and digital infrastructure, addressing the country’s infrastructure financing gap and enabling mid- to long-term funding for private-sector projects.
This partnership is expected to enhance CBL’s capacity to support sustainable infrastructure projects, mobilizing longer-term private capital and fostering financial innovation. The agreement was signed by key representatives from AIIB, NDB, and CBL, symbolizing a milestone in strategic collaboration to strengthen Bangladesh’s sustainable development agenda. In addition, AIIB facilitated a USD 500,000 grant from the Multilateral Cooperation Center for Development Finance to help CBL strengthen its environmental and social management systems, promoting international best practices in infrastructure financing.
Officials highlighted the significance of this initiative. Gregory Liu, AIIB’s Director General of Financial Institutions and Funds Clients, emphasized that the financing exemplifies AIIB’s commitment to strategic partnerships, co-financing, and catalyzing private sector capital. Roman Serov, NDB Vice President, noted that the collaboration reflects NDB’s dedication to supporting member countries through innovative investments that advance sustainable infrastructure and green growth. Mashrur Arefin, CBL’s CEO, stated that the long-term financing will empower the bank to accelerate renewable infrastructure investments, demonstrating confidence in Bangladesh’s private sector to drive sustainable growth.
This initiative reinforces ongoing efforts by AIIB and NDB to build resilient and sustainable infrastructure ecosystems across member countries through private-sector partnerships. It also underscores the broader role of multilateral banks in mobilizing resources for green and climate-smart investments in emerging markets.
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, established in 2016 and capitalized at USD 100 billion, focuses on financing infrastructure with sustainability at its core and now has 110 approved members worldwide. The New Development Bank, founded by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, supports infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS and other emerging economies. City Bank PLC, founded in 1983, is a leading Bangladeshi private bank offering corporate, retail, SME, microfinance, trade finance, and digital banking services, recognized as the country’s top sustainable bank in 2024.
