Samoa is moving towards securing its first infrastructure project funded by the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank following high-level talks in Doha, Qatar.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Mulipola Anarosa Ale-Molio’o met AIIB President Zou Jiayi on 29 September on the margins of the Bank’s Annual Meeting.
According to a Government of Samoa statement, the meeting focused on advancing Samoa’s infrastructure priorities and preparing projects that could qualify for financing from the Bank.
The Government said Samoa has submitted a pipeline of potential infrastructure projects covering inter-island connectivity, ports, roads, water and urban planning.
The talks followed President Zou’s visit to Samoa in July and were aimed at building momentum towards the Bank’s first investment operation in the country.
Mulipola highlighted the importance of concessional financing for Samoa and other Pacific countries, particularly in helping governments invest in infrastructure while maintaining sustainable levels of debt.
She also raised the need for infrastructure projects to include local capacity building so Samoan workers can develop the skills needed to operate and maintain completed projects.
President Zou said the AIIB was ready to support Samoa’s strategic infrastructure priorities, with further technical discussions expected between the Bank and Samoan officials in the coming months.
Both sides also discussed the need to improve project readiness. The Government said feasibility studies would be required to prepare projects for possible financing and to support future investment decisions.
The meeting took place during the AIIB Annual Meeting in Doha, where Mulipola also congratulated Zou on completing her first annual meeting as President of the Bank.
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank is a multilateral development bank that provides financing for infrastructure and other development projects across its member countries.
This article is based on an official release issued by the Government of Samoa’s Press and Communication Division on 1 October 2026.
