DHAKA, July 1, 2022 (BSS)- The World Bank (WB) has appointed Martin Raiser,
an economist and development expert with almost two decades of experience at
the World Bank Group, as its new Vice-President (VP) for the South Asian
region.
As the regional Vice President for South Asia, Raiser will manage Bank
relations with Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal,
Pakistan, and Sri Lanka and oversee a portfolio of projects, technical
assistance and financial resources worth almost US$55 billion, said a press
release here today.
"The World Bank has been a steadfast partner in South Asia as the region
faces multiple crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic," said Raiser.
"I look forward to working together with countries in the region to help
address these challenges while laying the foundations and capitalizing on the
opportunities for green, resilient and inclusive growth," he added.
Under Raiser's leadership, the World Bank will continue to support the South
Asian region to address different macro, health and humanitarian crises while
advancing human capital development, supporting climate resilience and
facilitating regional integration and cooperation, according to the release.
Raiser has held several leadership positions in the organisation. Prior to
his current role, he served as the World Bank's Country Director for China
and Mongolia, and Director for Korea.
He has also held positions as the Country Director for Brazil, Türkiye,
Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova as well as Country Manager in Uzbekistan.
Before joining the World Bank, Raiser worked for the Kiel Institute of World
Economics and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, where he
was Director of Country Strategy and Editor of the Transition Report.
A German national, Raiser holds a doctorate degree in Economics from the
University of Kiel, Germany, and degrees in Economics and Economic History
from the London School of Economics and Political Sciences.
His appointment is effective from July 1, 2022, the release added.
