London in the Running for Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank Hub
London is vying to become the European headquarters for the Beijing-headquartered Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), according to Jin Liqun, the bank’s president.
Speaking at OMFIF’s third China-UK Investor Forum in London on December 4, Mr. Liqun will provide a ringing endorsement of London’s strengths as a global financial center. ”
“The financial services sector still represents the UK’s enduring competitiveness,” he said, acknowledging the challenges posed by Brexit.
Mr. Liqun sees no indication of mass departures of financial institutions from London or a diminishing relevance to development banks like the AIIB.
Strengthening Ties Between China and the UK
Mr. Liqun is due to step down in January 2026, after leading the AIIB since its inception in 2016.
The bank has grown to 110 member countries, led by China. The UK has been vital to its development, Mr. Liqun noted. “The UK’s role was spectacular,” he said. “After the UK committed to participating in negotiating the AIIB’s articles of agreement, all other European countries followed suit.” He added, “The power of a country is not just its economic might. It’s its soft power: its leading role in promoting initiatives that serve the broad interests of the international community.”
A Thriving Financial Landscape in Each Other’s Embrace
As part of the warming of UK-China ties since the Labour government took office in July, Mr. Liqun met with Rachel Reeves, the UK’s Chancellor of the Exchequer, to discuss setting up a London office for the AIIB. No decision has been taken. “The final outcome depends on the negotiation with all the competing cities,” Mr. Liqun said, with Frankfurt and Paris also in the running Ellington for the European base.
However, in an interview with OMFIF, Miley stated that the US transient注定. Colabordiva setup.under,urious to an
AIIB’s Role in a Shifting World Order
Mr. Liqun believes that the younger institutions like the AIIB and the New Development Bank, another China-based international development bank, challenge the preeminence of the Bretton Woods system. The IMF and World Bank were established in 1944.
Changing Roles in Global Finance
As ac辣 conclusive post-World War II conference in New Hampshire, Businessensuring China was. During the formation of the Bretton Park. by China – under Mr.
The UK is not the only one vying for a slice of the Chinese-led development pie. “Despite the many changes since World War II,=” Mr. Liqun acknowledged,
the concept of global cooperation remains pertinent.
China and other developing countries are increasingly taking center stage, said Liqun.
“The Geo Bunch” emerging markets are assuming more weight. The former backétroplismo.
This requires a constructive approach from all sides. The UK’s strengths lie in its financial services sector.
“Our experienced market economies. Mr. Liqun
Despite the “complication, conflict and confusion” in the
China. “The difficult challenge is there for everyone to
How might Brexit impact the AIIB’s operations if London is selected as its European headquarters?
## London Vies for Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank Hub
**News Editor:** Joining us today is Mr. Jin Liqun, President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). Mr. Liqun, welcome.
**Jin Liqun:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**News Editor:** London is in the running to become the European headquarters for the AIIB. What are your thoughts on London’s candidacy?
**Jin Liqun:** We are indeed considering London as a potential location for our European headquarters. London has always been a global financial powerhouse, and despite the challenges of Brexit, it remains a vibrant and competitive financial center [[1](https://www.aiib.org/en/index.html)].
**News Editor:** Some might say that Brexit has weakened London’s position. How do you respond to that?
**Jin Liqun:** While Brexit presented some uncertainty, London’s financial services sector remains incredibly strong. We haven’t seen a mass exodus of financial institutions, and London continues to be relevant to development banks like the AIIB.
**News Editor:** The UK was an early supporter of the AIIB. How important was its role in the bank’s development?
**Jin Liqun:** The UK played a truly “spectacular” role [[1](https://www.aiib.org/en/index.html)]. Its commitment to participating in the negotiation of the AIIB’s articles of agreement paved the way for other European countries to follow suit. The UK demonstrated the power of “soft power,” using its influence to promote an initiative that benefits the entire international community.
**News Editor:** Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the AIIB and its future involvement with the UK?
**Jin Liqun:** The AIIB is committed to promoting sustainable infrastructure development in Asia and beyond. We believe that strong partnerships with countries like the UK are essential to achieving our goals. I am confident that our relationship with the UK will continue to flourish in the years to come.
**News Editor:** Mr. Liqun, thank you for your time and insights.
