On 13 April 2023, the New Development Bank (NDB) hosted Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and the First Lady, Janja Lula da Silva, in their first official visit to China.
This was the first time a Head of State visited the Bank’s Headquarters in Shanghai and addressed the NDB staff in person.
President Lula had the opportunity to witness the NDB’s commitment to promoting sustainable development and delivering on its mandate.
“The New Development Bank is the product of a partnership among BRICS countries with a view to creating a world with less poverty, less inequality and more sustainability. In taking office as Bank President, Ms. Dilma Rousseff brings her extensive background and knowledge on public policies and the international scene, thus strengthening NDB’s leading role in achieving a better world, without poverty or hunger,” President Lula said.
In her remarks, Rousseff emphasized the Bank’s commitment to supporting Brazil’s sustainable development goals and highlighted the importance of the presidential visit for strengthening the cooperation between the NDB and Brazil.
“As a former President of Brazil, I know the importance of the work of multilateral banks to support developing countries, particularly NDB, in addressing their economic, social and environmental needs.
“Becoming the president of the NDB is undoubtedly a great opportunity to do more for the BRICS, the emerging markets and developing countries, and my own country – Brazil,” said Rousseff.
During the visit, President Lula discussed with the NDB’s Senior Management the Bank’s ongoing and potential projects in Brazil areas such as renewable and clean energy, modern transport infrastructure and urban mobility, water and sanitation efficiency, etc.
Both sides explored the opportunities for further collaboration, including the Bank’s potential for supporting Brazil’s efforts to mitigate the impact of climate change and promote green finance.
Lula’s visit, according to the Bank, demonstrated its strong commitment to promoting sustainable development and underscored the NDB’s deepening partnership with Brazil.
“Looking ahead, the Bank will continue to support Brazil’s efforts aimed at promoting sustainable development and inclusive economic growth,” it assured.
The New Development Bank was established with the purpose of mobilizing resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS countries and other emerging market economies and developing countries, complementing the efforts of multilateral and regional financial institutions for global growth and development.
In 2021, the Bank initiated membership expansion and admitted Bangladesh, Egypt, United Arab Emirates and Uruguay as its new member countries.
