Canada has decided¹ to apply for membership of the Asian Infrastructure² Investment Bank (AIIB), Canadian Finance Minister Bill Morneau announced at a press conference in Beijing Wednesday.

 

加拿大财政部长比尔·摩尔诺周三在北京的一场新闻发布会上表示，加拿大已经决定申请加入亚洲基础设施投资银行。

 

If Canada joins the AIIB, it will be the first North American member of the multilateral bank.

 

Canada's membership will contribute significantly to the bank's development, AIIB president Jin Liqun told the press conference, noting that all countries interested in the AIIB were welcome to apply for membership.

 

"The decision of Canada to apply to join AIIB is very welcome and shows its confidence in the strong foundations the bank has built in our first few months," Jin said.

 

In a press release, Canada's Department of Finance said the AIIB will help sustain growth in Asia and represents an opportunity for Canada to further engage in multilateral infrastructure efforts that support inclusive economic growth in Asia and beyond.

 

"Canada is always looking for ways to create hope and opportunity for our middle class as well as for people around the world, and membership in the AIIB is an opportunity to do just that," Morneau said.

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