The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has appointed Pavit Ramachandran as country director for the Philippines.
*ADB Country Director Pavit Ramachandran*
Ramachandran, who assumed office on Friday, June 9, will lead ADB operations in the Philippines, with an active portfolio of about $8.7 billion.
He will also manage the bank’s relationship with the government, private sector, and development partners as well as oversee the implementation of its current country partnership strategy for the Philippines, worth up to $4 billion of sovereign loans for 2023.
This includes infrastructure projects such as the Davao Public Transport Modernization Project and the Bataan–Cavite Interlink Bridge Project, both among the government’s priority projects.
He will supervise the preparation of ADB’s CPS covering 2024–2029, which aims to advance and enhance ADB’s efforts to intensify climate action; improve climate smart connectivity through transport, digital technology, and energy; and invest in Filipinos’ welfare.
“ADB has a unique and enduring partnership with the Philippines, being its host country,” Ramachandran said. “I am excited to work on further solidifying this strong relationship with the government and supporting the country in finding innovative solutions to its development needs.
“My immediate priority is to ensure we deliver on our commitments to help the country address its poverty, climate change, and infrastructure development challenges,” he added.
Prior to his appointment, Ramachandran was country director for Mongolia where he oversaw the preparation.
He has over 25 years of international development experience, including a combined 19 years in ADB both as staff and consultant.
He joined ADB in May 2009 as an Environment Specialist in the Southeast Asia Department after serving as a consultant for five years. He was later appointed as Principal Environment Specialist of ADB’s East Asia Department.
Ramachandran succeeded Kelly Bird, who served in the Philippines as country director from 2018 and was recently appointed as advisor for ADB’s East Asia Department.