The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has nominated China’s Xiaohong Yang as the country director to Pakistan, media sources have reported. The step is anticipated to improve coordination between the two countries, including assistance in implementing strategic projects in Pakistan.
According to the Ministry of Finance, the ADB is seeking clearance from Pakistan’s Foreign Office to finalise Xiaohong’s appointment. She will replace Werner Liepach who has been serving Pakistan for the last five years.
Pakistan has become one of leading borrowing countries for ADB due to its increasing investment and budget financing needs.Since 1968, the ADB has facilitated 314 loans worth $28b to Pakistan.
Xiaohong has 30-year experience in development including policy formation and portfolio management. She also has the privilege of serving the World Bank. She is also renowned 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 handled 52 projects worth $7.5b. She also heads the transport sector group whereby she handles development of infrastructure projects.
Although Xiaohong Yang was able to clear $1b worth of funds for road sector projects in Pakistan, the disbursements amounted to $143.2m owing to implantation issues and bureaucratic attitudes of the government and the ADB.
During Liepach’s tenure, the ADB approved around $6b in fresh loans to Pakistan, which included funds for budgetary support.
Liepach’s tenure saw an improvement in relations between the ADB and Pakistan primarily because of an increase in lending needs of the country. However, occasionally, Liepach was criticised for undue pressure on Pakistan to push ADB’s agenda.
