ADB appoints Xiaoqin Fan as new Country Director for Pakistan

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has officially appointed Xiaoqin (Emma) Fan as its new Country Director for Pakistan.

She commenced her role today at the Pakistan Resident Mission, according to a press release issued by the ADB.

Ms. Emma Fan takes over the position of Country Director for Pakistan from Yong Ye, who served in this role since 2021.

This appointment marks an important milestone in ADB's ongoing commitment to strengthening its partnerships within the region.

In her new role, Ms. Emma Fan will oversee ADB’s operations in Pakistan, including the implementation of the country partnership strategy (CPS), which focuses on enhancing economic growth, increasing resilience, and boosting competitiveness.

Furthermore, she will lead the consultations for the next CPS covering the period from 2026 to 2030.

Ms. Emma Fan expressed her enthusiasm about returning to Pakistan, stating, “I look forward to promoting ADB’s long standing partnership with the government and people of Pakistan.”

Ms. Emma Fan, a national of New Zealand, holds a Doctorate in Economics from the Australian National University, along with Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees from Lanzhou University in the People’s Republic of China.

With over 30 years of professional experience, including 22 years with ADB, she has amassed a wealth of knowledge in economic and strategic planning.

She initially joined ADB in June 2002 as an economist and has held various senior positions, including Advisor for the Strategic Planning Department and Regional Director of ADB’s Pacific Liaison and Coordination Office.

Under her leadership, ADB aims to expedite economic recovery in Pakistan, implement crucial reforms, and champion policies to create jobs.

Ms. Emma Fan emphasized the bank's commitment to collaborating closely with federal and provincial governments, the private sector, and other stakeholders.

“We’ll scale up our support for climate resilience, private sector development, and institutional development,” she added.

ADB's vision includes fostering livable cities, advancing rural development, and enhancing digital ecosystems, which are essential for regional cooperation and integration.

This strategic appointment comes at a crucial time as ADB continues to focus on achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while actively working to eradicate extreme poverty.

The bank, established in 1966, is owned by 69 members, with 49 from the region, underscoring its commitment to regional development.