World Bank happy for proposed Asian, BRICS banks

World Bank President Jim Yong Kim said on Tuesday that the proposed Asian Infrastructure Development Bank (AIIB) and the BRICS Development Bank are new forces for battling poverty and bringing shared prosperity globally.

Speaking at a press conference during his visit to Beijing, Kim said the banks will cater to the need for infrastructure investment in developing countries, and are welcomed by the World Bank.

All current investments will not meet the needs for infrastructure investment in developing nations. Such investment needs are estimated at one trillion U.S. dollars in developing countries every year.

The World Bank provided 60 billion U.S. dollars last year. When combined with investment from private sectors, it added up to around 150 billion U.S. dollars, far short of real demand.

"We have actually no choice but to welcome any newcomers because every new entrance will help us battle poverty and help us share prosperity," Kim said.

"We welcome any new organizations, BRICS bank or AIIB. We think the need for new investment in infrastructure is massive. We think we can work very well in cooperation with the new banks once they become a reality," Kim said.

"Our competition is poverty. Our enemies are lack of economic growth and growth that is not inclusive," he said, adding that the World Bank will provide the new banks with knowledge and solutions based on its experience.

BRICS is the acronym for five major emerging economies, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

The sixth leaders summit of BRICS will be held in Brazil from July 15 to 16. Chinese President Xi Jinping, Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff, Russian President Vladimir Putin, South African President Jacob Zuma and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the summit.

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Li Baodong said on Monday that China supports the early launch of BRICS Development Bank and Contingency Reserve Arrangement.