AIIB to have 100 members by year-end

China-sponsored Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) in which India and 56 other countries joined as founding members said it will expand its membership to nearly 100 countries and regions by year-end as it prepares to announce its first round of investment projects this month. Some 30 countries are waiting to join the AIIB and 20 of them have expressed"firm commitment", AIIB President Jin Liqun was quoted as saying by state-run China Daily on Wednesday. While the US and Japan have declined to join the bank, Jin said all countries would work together, regardless of the bank membership. (pti)