Martin Raiser appointed WB vice-president for South Asia

The World Bank 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 for the South Asian region.

With the appointment, 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 $55 billion, according to a statement issued by the World Bank.

“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.”

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, the statement added.

Prior to his current role, Raiser served as the World Bank’s country director for China and Mongolia, and director for Korea.