Finance Minister Wagle Returns After Nepal Elected AIIB Vice-Chair

Finance Minister Dr Swarnim Wagle arrives at Tribhuvan International Airport from Doha, Qatar, on Wednesday, September 30, 2026. Photo: RSS

KATHMANDU: Finance Minister Dr Swarnim Wagle has returned to Nepal after attending the 2026 Annual Meeting of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) in Doha, Qatar, where Nepal secured the position of Vice-Chair of the bank for the first time.

Nepal was elected Vice-Chair for the 2026–27 term from among the bank’s regional member countries. Wagle will serve in the position in his capacity as Nepal’s Governor to the AIIB.

The government said Nepal’s election to the leadership position is expected to create additional opportunities for the country to attract investment in infrastructure, access new technologies and strengthen cooperation with other AIIB member countries.

During the meeting, discussions focused on expanding AIIB investment in Nepal’s infrastructure sector, technology transfer and strengthening cooperation among member states.

Addressing the Governors’ Business Round Table, Wagle called for greater investment in productive sectors such as roads, electricity, communications and information technology. He also stressed the need for suitable financing arrangements to attract both domestic and international private investment.

Wagle said AIIB financing should be made more favourable and aligned with the specific needs of developing countries such as Nepal. He also emphasized the importance of directing investment toward productive sectors with long-term national benefits.

During his visit, Wagle held meetings with the AIIB leadership and finance ministers from Qatar, India, Bangladesh, Armenia and Georgia. The discussions covered bilateral economic interests, expanding investment and cooperation, as well as financial support for Nepal’s post-disaster reconstruction.

Wagle left for Doha on September 26 to participate in the two-day AIIB Annual Meeting held on September 28 and 29 under the theme “Tomorrow’s Infrastructure: Impact and Innovation.”

The annual meeting marked the beginning of the bank’s second decade and focused on increasing investment in sustainable and innovative infrastructure across its member countries.