What is the investment target of AIIB?
We start with infrastructure－physical infrastructure, to be exact. But since we have other productive sectors in mind, we can probably finance projects in the future for nonphysical infrastructure. For instance, education and healthcare are nonphysical infrastructure. Or, if we can help a municipal government better design the way it manages, I think it could be very important.
It's certainly important to build roads and streets, but people don't understand if you don't include the traffic lights, if you don't manage the flow of the people in the city, probably no matter how many roads you build, it's still not enough. So you need to better manage the urban problems. That could be part of our efforts.
Now, when it comes to new technology, I have to be cautious about financing. This is not our job. Any investment in new technology has variants. And I don't think it's appropriate to spend our shareholders' money on something with dubious prospects. This should be left for venture capital to take care of. But once the new technology proves workable and effective, we can't miss it.
So in my view, this is the way we can serve our countries. We apply new technology; we do not invest in developing new technology. This is my personal view.
How long until the United States or Japan joins the AIIB?
I cannot speak on behalf of the US government or the Japanese government with regard to the membership issues. The door has opened, and will remain open. This is our basic principle. And as we are inclusive, if any country wants to join, they pick up the phone, give us a ring and discuss the rest of the issues. You know, the conditions are all stated in the articles of agreement. But I want to highlight one point, that regardless of the membership of any country in the world, we can work together.
As I said, the companies of the United States and companies of Japan can participate in the international competition, and they will be treated equally and fairly. This is our basic principle.
I have already hired some US nationals to work in this institution, sit in various positions, and I told you that we would have some Japanese nationals. We are still in the recruitment process, interviews. I am sure the Japanese nationals will meet our standards. We are indeed very happy to have any national of any country who can serve this institution. So I highlight this point again and again, that regardless of who is a member, there are various ways that we work for the companies and work for the nationals.
