The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is now waiting for clearance from Pakistan’s Foreign Office to finalize the appointment of China’s Xiaohong Yang as the new country director for Pakistan. Yang will replace Werner Leipach, who left Islamabad early this month after serving as country director for five years.
The appointment of Yang is expected to improve coordination between China and Pakistan, according to reports. Sources said the nomination comes at time when there is a need for greater collaboration between the ADB, based in Manila, and the China-backed Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. Since 1968, the ADB has given 314 loans worth USD28bn to Pakistan.
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With over 30 years experience in the field of development, Yang’s expertise includes policy formulation and portfolio management. A graduate of Peking University, she is known for building strong relationships with client governments, development partners and private sectors.
In 2013, the ADB appointed Xiaohong as Transport and Communications Division Director where she oversaw 52 mega and medium-sized projects worth $7.5 billion. She is also the chair of the transport sector group, focusing on development of infrastructure projects. – BusinessNewsAsia.com