The Beijing-headquartered Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank will open an office in Hong Kong to enhance the multilateral development lender’s fundraising power and expand its global presence, the Post has learned from sources familiar with the matter.
The new office would come as a publicity victory for Hong Kong as the city redoubles its efforts to consolidate its status as an international financial centre.
Negotiations with the Hong Kong government are ongoing and the final decision is expected in the second half of this year, one source said, adding that the bank hopes to begin operations soon after approval.
The office will handle “funding for AIIB and operational investments with Hong Kong-based institutions”, the source said.
The Hong Kong satellite will be mainly involved in treasury activities, another source said.