NEW COUNTRY DIRECTOR. Economist Zafer Mustafaoglu is the new World Bank Country Director for the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei Darussalam, effective July 1, 2024. The World Bank said Mustafaoglu, a Turkish national, will oversee the bank's program of support in the three countries. (Photo courtesy of World Bank)
MANILA – The World Bank on Monday said economist Zafer Mustafaoglu is the new Country Director for the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei Darussalam, effective July 1, 2024.
In a statement, the World Bank said Mustafaoglu, a Turkish national, will oversee the bank's program of support in the three countries.
Mustafaoglu joined the World Bank in 2005 and contributed to a variety of operations and research projects.
Prior to his appointment, Mustafaoglu served as Practice Manager for Finance, Competitiveness, and Innovation in the East Asia and Pacific Region, overseeing operations in China, Mongolia, Korea, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Vietnam.
His most recent roles include serving as the Practice Manager for the Finance, Competitiveness, and Innovation Global Practice in the Latin America and the Caribbean Region, and as Lead Economist and Program Leader for Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Mustafaoglu earned his Ph.D. in International Economics from the Middle East Technical University in Turkey.
He completed his master's degree and conducted research in economics at the University of Essex and Cambridge University, England.
Before joining the World Bank, Mustafaoglu worked for the Turkish government, where he served as the head of the Modeling and Economic Analysis Department at the Prime Ministry State Planning Organization.
“I am deeply honored to assume the role of Country Director for the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei --countries that stand out as some of the most vibrant economies in the East Asia region, with significant achievements in economic transformation and poverty alleviation,” Mustafaoglu said.
“I look forward to meeting our partners across government, the private sector, civil society, and academic institutions to deepen my understanding of the unique development challenges these countries face and to explore how the World Bank can further contribute to their progress.”
The World Bank has worked with the Philippines for over 70 years, providing support for infrastructure and key sectors including agriculture, environment, social protection, water resources, disaster risk management, and climate change.
It also supported the government’s key economic policy and governance reforms, helped spur private sector growth, and is promoting peace and development in Mindanao. (PNA)
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