The Multilateral Cooperation Center for Development Finance (MCDF) and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) launched the Workshop Series on Multilateral Development Bank (MDB) Procurement and Financing Business Opportunities and Policies at AIIB headquarters in Beijing on 1-2 November 2022.

The series aims to help contractors, suppliers, consultants, and potential project developers better understand MDB procurement and financing standards, and how to successfully participate in MDB-financed projects. The inaugural workshop in the series targeted Chinese companies and was cohosted with the China International Contractors Association (CHINCA). Future workshops in the series will be for contractors and developers from other regions of the world.

Welcome remarks were provided by MCDF Chief Executive Officer, Zhongjing Wang; AIIB Director General of Strategy, Policy and Budget Department, Zheng Quan; CHINCA Vice-Chair, Zhang Xiang; and China Ministry of Finance Deputy Director General of International Economic and Financial Cooperation, Han Bin. They highlighted the shift that Chinese contractors have made by moving up the value chain and becoming project developers and the important role they need to play in enhancing infrastructure growth globally. Speakers also underscored the critical role of MDBs as both financiers and leaders on international standards on procurement, environment and social safeguards, clean government and risk management. They encouraged MDBs and Chinese companies to work more closely together for mutual learning.

Specialists in procurement, integrity and financing from AIIB, the Asian Development Bank, the International Finance Corporation and the World Bank led five interactive sessions. These sessions explored MDB roles and business opportunities; MDB procurement regulations and procedures; MDB standard procurement documents; global economic and institutional sanctions; and opportunities and policies for private sector co-investment with MDBs.

The workshop was the first physical event held by MCDF’s Collaboration Platform, following its establishment during the COVID-19 pandemic. It included 92 on-site participants and 137 virtual participants.