Qimiao Fan starts tomorrow as the World Bank’s new country director for Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal, according to a news release of the organisation.

In his first visit to Bangladesh tomorrow, Fan will accompany Annette Dixon, World Bank South Asia vice president, who will introduce Fan to the government of Bangladesh. During her visit, Dixon along with Fan will also meet the finance minister and other senior government officials, the release informed.

“Bangladesh has made significant gains in development in recent years. I am looking forward to working closely with the government and people of Bangladesh in realizing their goal of achieving middle-income status by 2021,” said Fan. “The World Bank will continue working with the government to maintain economic stability; strengthen revenue mobilization; tackle energy and infrastructure deficits; deepen financial-sector and external trade reforms; improve labor skills, economic governance, and urban management; and helping with the adaption to climate change.”

In his current role as the World Bank Country Director for Bangladesh, Fan will oversee the finalisation and implementation of the World Bank Group’s Country Partnership Framework for Bangladesh, which is now the largest recipient of support from the International Development Association (IDA) providing World Bank grants and low interest loans to the poorest countries. In pursuing the World Bank Group’s mission of eliminating poverty and promoting shared prosperity, he will also lead the policy dialogue with government counterparts, civil society and other partners, the news releases reads.