President of new Asian investment bank visits Denmark

Foreign minister getting visit from president of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank

The foreign minister, Kristian Jensen, is meeting up with Jin Liqun, the president of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), today in Copenhagen.

Jensen contended that the bank will increase the opportunity for trade between Asia and the rest of the world, including Denmark.

“We’ve supported the AIIB’s goal to invest in infrastructure and generate sustainable economic growth in Asia,” said Jensen.

“Anyone who has visited a city in Asia can see that there is a great need for investment into better roads, public transport systems, sustainable energy solutions and access to clean water.”

READ MORE: Denmark extends close association with African Development Bank

A juggernaut in the making
The AIIB, which only just opened for business in January, is an international financial institution that aims to provide support to the construction of infrastructure in the Asia-Pacific region.

The bank, which was proposed by the Chinese government, has 30 founding member states, including Denmark.

During his visit to Denmark, Jin Liqun will also meet with a number of Danish companies to discuss co-operation possibilities.

Denmark has earmarked about 500 million kroner from 2016-2019 for AIIB activities. The bank is expecting to gain a total of 57 founding members, including all of the Nordic nations.

The news comes days after the Foreign Ministry unveiled a new strategy regarding Denmark’s role in Africa in collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB).