ADB appoints new Director General for Central and West Asia

Bishkek, Feb. 8, 2018 / Kabar /. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has appointed Werner Liepach as a new ADB Director General for Central and West Asia.

As the Director General, W. Liepach will lead the work of ADB in 10 countries of the region, including Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, Avesta reports with reference to Dushanbe office of ADB. He will monitor the implementation of the entire ADB portfolio in the region, which currently stands for $ 18.6 bln and includes 155 projects.

W. Liepach will manage seven sector divisions at ADB headquarters and 10 country offices, covering energy; environment, natural resources and agriculture; transport, public management, financial sector and trade; regional cooperation; social and urban development and water resources. He will also supervise ADB’s engagement with the Central Asian Regional Economic Cooperation program, one of the largest regional cooperation programs in Asia.

“Central and West Asia are in a time of tremendous change as countries across the region expand trade and continue to reduce poverty,” Mr. Liepach said. “ADB will continue to work with governments and development partners across the region to ensure inclusive growth through increased connectivity and enhanced physical and social infrastructure.”

Prior to his appointment as Director General, Mr. Liepach was Deputy Director General and Senior Advisor in Central and West Asia Department. He was ADB’s permanent Country Director for Pakistan from 2011 to 2017 and has been with ADB since 1992.