The Asian Development Bank appoints a new head of its representative office in Uzbekistan

Kanokpan Lao-Araya has been appointed the head of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) office in Uzbekistan. This was reported by the press service of ADB.

Starting today, July 14, Ms. Lao-Araya will lead ADB's operations in Uzbekistan and oversee the preparation and implementation of the bank's new partnership strategy for 2023-2028. ADB will strengthen support for the country's transition to an inclusive and market economy, the development of the private sector, "green" transformation, the reduction of economic and social inequalities, and the expansion of regional cooperation and integration.

"I am delighted to lead ADB's efforts to support the reform agenda in Uzbekistan. Through investments, knowledge, and private sector activities, we will continue to help Uzbekistan develop human capital, strengthen resilience to external influences, and transition to a 'green' economy," said Lao-Araya.

For information, Ms. Lao-Araya has more than 25 years of experience in development and economics in the Asia-Pacific region, including Central Asia. She joined ADB in 2001 and has held a number of management positions in the bank since then. Before her appointment, she was the director of the representative office in the Kyrgyz Republic, where she managed banking activities.

Ms. Lao-Araya, a citizen of Thailand, holds a doctorate and master's degree in economics from Indiana University (Bloomington), USA, and a bachelor's degree in economics from Chulalongkorn University in Thailand.

Uzbekistan joined the ADB in 1995. To date, ADB has allocated 240 loans, grants, and technical assistance to Uzbekistan in the public sector, totaling 11.5 billion US dollars.