AIIB Procurement Policy

The AIIB Procurement Policy is the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank's governing document for borrower-executed procurement, setting out the rules and standards that must be applied when purchasing goods, works, and services on AIIB-financed projects, with a strong emphasis on open competition and value for money.

What is the AIIB Procurement Policy?

The AIIB Procurement Policy applies to borrower-executed-procurement on projects financed by AIIB loans and grants. It defines acceptable procurement methods, eligibility rules, evaluation standards, advertising requirements, and the bank's review rights. The Policy reflects the aiib's open-eligibility stance: firms from any country may participate in competitive procurement under AIIB financing, regardless of membership status.

The Policy distinguishes between procurement methods by contract size and complexity. International competitive bidding (icb) applies to large contracts and requires broad advertising. Smaller contracts may use national competitive bidding or shopping. The AIIB reviews procurement documents and award decisions either before the fact (prior review) or after (post review), depending on the contract value and the assessed risk of the project. Borrowers must follow the AIIB's standard procurement documentation and maintain records available for audit.

Why the AIIB Procurement Policy matters for bidders

The most valuable thing the AIIB Procurement Policy tells a supplier is that open competition is the default. Unlike some financing institutions that impose preferences or restrictions, the Policy's universal eligibility means competitive merit drives awards. Suppliers should read the Policy to understand how evaluation criteria are set, how bid documents must be structured, and what the bank's review rights mean for the timeline between bid submission and contract award. When the AIIB co-finances with another institution, the co-lead's procurement rules may govern, so confirming which bank's policy applies on a specific project is the first step.

FAQ

Does the AIIB Procurement Policy restrict eligibility to member countries?

No. The Policy allows firms from all countries to participate in AIIB-financed procurement, which is one of the most open eligibility frameworks among multilateral development banks.

What is the difference between prior review and post review under the AIIB Policy?

Prior review means the AIIB checks and approves key procurement steps before they occur. Post review means the bank reviews completed procurement after contract award, typically for lower-value or lower-risk contracts.

Where can I find the AIIB Procurement Policy?

The Policy is published on aiib.org under the projects and procurement section, along with related guidance notes and standard procurement documents.