The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has appointed Xiaoqin (Emma) Fan as its new Country Director for Pakistan, marking a significant leadership transition for the bank’s operations in the country. Fan, a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience, officially took charge at the Pakistan Resident Mission on October 14, 2024. Her role will involve guiding ADB’s strategic operations in Pakistan, driving economic growth, and fostering key partnerships with government and private stakeholders.
As Country Director, Fan will focus on implementing the ADB’s current country partnership strategy (CPS) for Pakistan. This strategy emphasizes enhancing growth, building resilience, and improving competitiveness. Her responsibilities will include overseeing ADB’s diverse portfolio in Pakistan and initiating consultations for the next CPS, covering the period from 2026 to 2030. This forward-looking plan is expected to address emerging challenges and opportunities, aiming for sustainable economic recovery in the country.
In a statement on her new role, Fan expressed enthusiasm about her return to Pakistan. “I am delighted to be back in Pakistan to lead the country office. I look forward to promoting ADB’s longstanding partnership with the government and people of Pakistan,” she remarked. She emphasized ADB’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s federal and provincial governments, the private sector, and other stakeholders. Her vision includes accelerating economic recovery, implementing key reforms, and promoting policies to stimulate job creation. Additionally, Fan highlighted the importance of scaling up support for climate resilience, private sector growth, and institutional development—areas crucial for Pakistan’s long-term economic stability.
Fan’s plans also extend to enhancing urban livability, promoting rural development, fostering digital ecosystems, and encouraging regional cooperation and integration. ADB’s support will be geared towards building growth centers that align with Pakistan’s broader developmental objectives, aiming for a balanced and inclusive economic trajectory.
Fan, a national of New Zealand, brings a wealth of academic and professional experience to her new position. She holds a Doctorate in Economics from the Australian National University, along with a Master’s and bachelor’s degree from Lanzhou University in the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Her career spans over three decades, including 22 years of service at ADB, where she has held various roles of increasing responsibility.
Fan’s journey with ADB began in June 2002 as an Economist, and she has since built an extensive portfolio across multiple departments within the organization. In December 2013, she was appointed as an Advisor for ADB’s Strategic Planning Department (SPD) and Head of the Results Management Unit. Her expertise in strategic planning helped shape ADB’s focus on result-oriented development initiatives.
By June 2016, Fan was serving as the Regional Director of ADB’s Pacific Liaison and Coordination Office (PLCO), where she played a pivotal role in managing ADB’s operations in the Pacific region. Later, in 2019, she transitioned to the role of Director for the Public Management, Financial Sector, and Regional Cooperation Division within the East Asia Department. Following ADB’s introduction of a New Operating Model in June 2023, she was redesignated as the Director of finance in the Sector Group-Finance. In this capacity, she successfully led sovereign and non-sovereign collaborations, contributing to ADB’s strategic finance initiatives.
As she steps into her role as Country Director for Pakistan, Fan succeeds Yong Ye, who served in this position since 2021. Her extensive background, particularly in finance and strategic planning, positions her well to navigate the complex economic landscape of Pakistan and strengthen ADB’s impact in the region.
Before her tenure at ADB, Fan worked as a Policy Adviser at Australia’s Department of Finance and Administration, served as an Economist at the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research, and worked as a Researcher at Lanzhou University in the PRC. Her diverse experience across policy-making, research, and economic analysis equips her with the expertise needed to drive ADB’s mission of sustainable development in Pakistan.
Fan’s appointment is expected to further solidify ADB’s role as a key development partner for Pakistan, providing strategic guidance and support in overcoming economic challenges and achieving long-term growth. As Pakistan navigates through its economic recovery, the collaboration between ADB and the country under Fan’s leadership holds promise for a more resilient and prosperous future.