Qingfeng Zhang has taken charge as the new Country Director of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Bangladesh. He officially assumed the position in Dhaka on Thursday.
According to an ADB statement, Zhang will oversee one of the bank’s largest country operations. In his new role, he will work to strengthen ADB’s long-standing partnership with the Bangladesh government, lead strategic policy dialogue with stakeholders, and help shape the bank’s future development strategy for the country.
“It is a privilege to serve as ADB Country Director for Bangladesh at an important stage in the country’s development,” Zhang said after assuming office.
“Bangladesh has demonstrated remarkable resilience and economic progress over past decades,” he added.
Zhang said ADB remains committed to working closely with the government and development partners to create quality jobs, strengthen resilience, accelerate private sector-led growth, and deepen regional cooperation through innovative financing, knowledge solutions, and high-quality investments.
ADB said Zhang brings more than 30 years of professional experience in sustainable development, including over two decades with the bank. He has led transformative programs and strategic initiatives in areas including agriculture, food systems, water resources, environment, natural resources, and rural development.
He has also played an important role in building partnerships with governments, development partners, academic institutions, and the private sector.
Before taking up his Bangladesh assignment, Zhang served as Senior Director of ADB’s Agriculture, Food, Nature and Rural Development Sector Office, where he led strategic efforts to advance sustainable and resilient development across the Asia-Pacific region.
A Chinese national, Zhang holds a doctorate in Environmental Engineering from Tsinghua University, a master’s degree in Water Resources Management from Sichuan University, and a bachelor’s degree in Hydrology. He also completed specialized professional education at Harvard Business School.
ADB said Bangladesh became a member of the institution in 1973. As of July this year, the bank’s ongoing public and private sector grants and project financing in Bangladesh amount to around $12.5 billion. So far, ADB has approved nearly $43 billion in loans and grants to support Bangladesh’s development.
Over the next few years, ADB plans to provide around $2.4 billion annually to support sustainable growth, strengthen disaster resilience, expand regional cooperation, and improve living standards in Bangladesh.
