Colombia recently succeeded in being accepted as the 111th member of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). The news was celebrated by President Gustavo Petro, who emphasized that the accession opens new doors for the country in the field of sustainable financing and places it within one of the broadest financial arenas in the world.
This entry represents another step in diversifying the economic and commercial partners that the South American country has been working on for months, with an evident rapprochement with China — something it already consolidated this year with its entry five months ago into the New Development Bank, known as the BRICS bank.
Colombia joins the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank as its newest member
AIIB is a multilateral institution founded with the purpose of promoting the development of modern infrastructure with a green, technological, and interconnected focus. Its authorized capital is US$100 billion, and its mission is precisely to finance the “infrastructure of tomorrow”: projects in sustainable energy, transportation, smart cities, water and sanitation, and climate resilience.
The acceptance of Colombia as a member reflects its strategy of diversifying sources of investment. It is not only about attracting money, but doing so under more flexible terms and with a long-term vision. Colombia’s Finance Minister German Avila has stressed that this accession strengthens international cooperation channels aligned with the country’s priorities.
Although approval by AIIB Board has already been finalized, the process is not yet complete. Colombia must fulfill a series of formalities to complete its entry. First, the decision must be submitted to debate and approval in Congress, which implies institutional scrutiny within the country.
In addition, administrative procedures established by the Asian bank must be carried out in parallel: Colombia must make the payment of its first capital contribution, which will formalize its status as an active member.
📢 El Directorio del Banco Asiático de Inversión en Infraestructura (AIIB) aprobó hoy el ingreso de Colombia como su miembro número 111. 🌍🤝
Este es un paso clave para ampliar las oportunidades de financiamiento sostenible y fortalecer la cooperación internacional del país.
…— MinHacienda (@MinHacienda) November 19, 2025
What does Colombia gain by joining the AIIB?
Colombia’s entry into AIIB brings with it — according to the government — a set of highly significant opportunities for the economy. The financing that will come from this institution could be allocated to strategic infrastructure projects with major social and environmental impact: more efficient transportation networks, clean energy systems, digital infrastructure for remote areas, and cities that are more resilient to climate change.
For President Petro, this decision helps make Colombia “less vulnerable” to traditional sources of financing. In his words, joining a broader financial spectrum strengthens self-sufficiency and supports an ambitious goal: Becoming a “global power of life,” a concept he has frequently used to refer to sustainable development with social justice.
The director of the National Planning Department (DNP), Natalia Molina Posso, spoke with AIIB President Jin Liqun to discuss how Colombian projects can align with the bank’s criteria. In those meetings, they explored initiatives in mobility, clean energy, green cities, and mechanisms to attract private capital under sustainable standards.
However, not all sectors have welcomed the move enthusiastically. On social media and in some civic forums, voices have been raised questioning whether such partnerships will truly translate into benefits for the most vulnerable communities. Some critics point out that large infrastructure projects can have social and environmental impacts and demand clear mechanisms for accountability and citizen participation.
On the institutional front, the process in Congress will not only allow the ratification of the adhesion, but also a debate on its conditions: How much Colombia will contribute, in what proportion it will participate, and how national interests will be protected in an institution headquartered in Asia.
Beyond financing: a geopolitical bet for Colombia
The decision to join AIIB goes beyond economics. It also represents a strategic diplomatic gesture, as Colombia becomes fully involved in an institution with strong Asian presence. This could translate into a diversification of its international alliances and reduced dependence on traditional Western-based financial institutions.
In the current context marked by geopolitical tensions, AIIB membership also positions Colombia as a relevant player in South-South cooperation, as the government of President Petro has consistently advocated.
In addition, it reinforces Colombia’s vision of attracting investments that support the energy transition, digital transformation, and the broader fight against climate change, one of the pillars of the current administration.
However, this decision remains subject to internal political consensus: First in Congress, which must ratify Colombia’s entry, and especially in the new presidency that will emerge after next year’s elections. In this regard, the role of Colombia’s global trading partners is not exempt from the country’s deep political polarization, so it will be essential for the future success of this step that upcoming governments reinforce this idea of diversification that Gustavo Petro’s administration has advocated.