Samoa has called on the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank to consider establishing a special concessional financing window for Pacific Island countries and Small Island Developing States.
The proposal was raised during an official dinner reception at Taumeasina Island Resort welcoming AIIB President Ms Zou Jiayi and her delegation to Samoa.
The Government described the visit as historic, marking the first time an AIIB President has visited Samoa.
In its address, Samoa said access to grants and highly concessional financing was essential for vulnerable island countries seeking to build infrastructure capable of withstanding climate change, natural disasters and external economic shocks.
The Government also encouraged the AIIB to consider establishing regional multifunctional offices outside China, saying a regional presence would bring the bank closer to its members and allow Pacific voices to be heard more directly.
Samoa outlined several infrastructure priorities under its Pathway for the Development of Samoa 2026/27–2030/31, including renewable energy, disaster preparedness, green infrastructure and improved asset management.
The Government said safe inter-island connectivity remained a national priority because it kept families connected, supported access to essential services and strengthened emergency resilience.
Plans highlighted during the address included improving connections to Manono and Apolima and advancing infrastructure across Savai‘i, including ports, airports, hospitals, courts, agriculture facilities and digital connectivity.
Samoa also identified digital transformation, inclusive economic growth and capacity building as areas where greater cooperation with the AIIB could support national development.
The Government said its development priorities aligned closely with the AIIB’s “Infrastructure for Tomorrow” mission and welcomed further cooperation on energy transition, climate resilience and sustainable growth.
The AIIB was established 10 years ago with 57 founding members and has since expanded to 111 members.
Samoa said the bank’s growth demonstrated its ability to respond to the changing infrastructure needs of countries across Asia and the Pacific.
The Government invited the AIIB leadership to make regular visits to Samoa and said it hoped the visit would strengthen long-term cooperation between the bank, Samoa and the wider Pacific region.
This article is based on the keynote address delivered at the official dinner reception for AIIB President Ms Zou Jiayi in Samoa on 28 July 2026.
