Dhaka: Asian Development Bank (ADB) has appointed Qingfeng Zhang as its new Country Director for Bangladesh. Zhang will oversee ADB’s operations in Bangladesh, which is one of its largest country programs, and aim to further strengthen the bank’s long-standing partnership with the Government of Bangladesh. In his new role, he will lead strategic policy dialogue with stakeholders and guide the preparation of ADB’s next country partnership strategy, as stated in a press release.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Zhang expressed that it is a privilege to serve as ADB Country Director for Bangladesh at this pivotal stage in the country’s development. He highlighted Bangladesh’s remarkable resilience and economic progress over the past decades. Zhang affirmed ADB’s commitment to work 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.
Zhang brings over 30 years of professional experience in sustainable development, with more than 20 years spent at ADB. Throughout his career, he has led transformative programs and strategic initiatives in sectors such as agriculture, food systems, water resources, environment, natural capital, and rural development. Additionally, he has built strong partnerships with governments, development institutions, academia, and the private sector.
Before this appointment, Zhang served as Senior Director of ADB’s Agriculture, Food, Nature, and Rural Development Sector Office, where he guided the bank’s strategic and operational engagement in advancing sustainable and resilient development across the region. A national of the People’s Republic of China, Zhang holds a doctorate in environmental engineering from Tsinghua University, a master’s degree in water resources management, and a bachelor’s degree in hydrology from Sichuan University. He also completed executive education at Harvard Business School.