Samoa advances bankable infrastructure projects with AIIB

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Mulipola Anarosa ‘Ale – Molio’o, met with the A.I.I.B. President Zou Jiayi to reaffirm Samoa’s partnership and build momentum towards securing the first investment operations with A.I.I.B.

The meeting was held on the margin of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank [AIIB] Annual Meeting in Doha and built on the momentum from President Zou’s landmark visit to Apia in July 2026.

The high-level talks focused on translating Samoa’s submitted pipeline into bankable infrastructure projects including interisland connectivity, ports, roads, water as well as urban planning management tool.

The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that concessional financing for Samoa and Pacific is important to protect debt sustainability and embedding local capacity building through funded projects so the national workforce can manage and maintain the infrastructure.

Madam President highlighted that the Bank is ready to provide the necessary support to these strategic priorities, with further technical engagement from the A.I.I.B. team is expected in the coming months.

Both leaders expressed a shared determination to progress technical preparations and secure Samoa’s first infrastructure project to be funded by the Bank.

In addition, both recognised the importance of project readiness, noting that relevant feasibility studies are required to kick start preparation and better inform upcoming operations for Samoa.

Afioga Mulipola also congratulated the Madam President on the successful completion of her first annual meeting as President of the A.I.I.B. and conveyed Samoa’s delegation’s appreciation for the excellent hosting and organizational arrangements in Doha.