MANILA, PHILIPPINES— The Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) new Country Director for Turkmenistan, Artur Andrysiak, has arrived in Ashgabat following his appointment last month.
As country director, Mr. Andrysiak will oversee ADB’s local operations as well as the development of a new country partnership strategy that will build on efforts to help the country diversify its economy and achieve its development objectives.
“I look forward to leading ADB’s efforts to support Turkmenistan’s economic and social development and help the country become a catalyst for regional cooperation and integration,” said Mr. Andrysiak. “We hope to continue our assistance across a broad number of sectors, including transport, energy, health, education, agriculture, and rural development, and help make the country more resilient to external shocks.”
Mr. Andrysiak joined ADB in 2012 and has since served in different regional and operational departments. He was most recently Deputy Country Director for Afghanistan where he supported the management of ADB operations in the country, including its COVID-19 pandemic response. He also led key initiatives including the Afghanistan Infrastructure Trust Fund, COVID-19 vaccine assistance, and the Support for Afghan People project.
Mr. Andrysiak has more than 22 years of professional experience. Prior to working for ADB, Mr. Andrysiak was a statistician at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. He also worked as an assistant director for international trade and services at the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
A national of Australia, Mr. Andrysiak holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and finance from the Edith Cowan University and a master’s degree in management and accounting from the Australian National University.
Since Turkmenistan joined ADB in 2000, the bank has committed more than $635 million in loans, grants, and technical assistance. ADB operations in the country focus on supporting energy, trade, market connectivity, private sector development, and economic diversification.
ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members—49 from the region.
Source: Asian Development Bank