The president of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Takehiko Nakao, said the proposed China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is a potential partner instead of a rival and the ADB is talking with Beijing to share its experience.
The ADB is ready to collaborate with the AIIB if it meets environmental, social and other standards for lending, Mr. Nakao said in an interview.
“I think we can complement each other,” Mr. Nakao said.
China proposed the bank in 2013 to finance construction of roads, ports and other infrastructure. It has pledged to put up most of its initial $50 billion in capital.
Britain broke with Washington last week to announce it wanted to join the Chinese—led bank. France, Germany and Switzerland followed.
The ADB has talked with Chinese officials to share its “knowledge and experience” based on its 50-year history and staff of some 3,000 throughout the region, said Mr. Nakao.
