Zou Jiayi began her first day as the president and chair of the Board of Directors of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank on Friday, the bank's 10th anniversary, pledging an era of continuity and progress as she leads AIIB into its second decade.

Addressing staff members, Zou said, "My belief is simple: a better world can be built. Not merely imagined, but built – through practical cooperation, purposeful investment and development that improves people's lives. That conviction will guide my presidency. I look forward to working with our members, clients and partners to deliver infrastructure that strengthens economies, protects the climate and nature and expands opportunity across Asia and beyond."

Zou assumes the presidency of AIIB following the conclusion of the second five-year term of the bank's founding president Jin Liqun on Jan 15. Zou, a former Chinese vice-minister of finance, was elected by the bank's board of governors in June 2025.