Dhaka, May 2, 2013: The World Bank has appointed Johannes Zutt as its new Country Director for Bangladesh and Nepal. Mr. Zutt has joined the World Bank office in Dhaka today.
Johannes Zutt, a Dutch national, has wide experience in development since 1990. He joined the World Bank in 2000 and held managerial positions of increasing responsibility. Most recently prior to joining Dhaka office, Mr, Zutt served as the Country Director for Eritrea, Kenya, and Rwanda. He had also worked as the Country Program Coordinator for a number of countries, including Angola, China, Malawi, Mongolia, Mozambique, and Zambia, as well as the team leader for numerous country strategies and projects.
Going forward, Mr. Zutt will guide the World Bank’s engagement in Bangladesh, aiming to reduce poverty and ensure shared prosperity. He will also give priority to further strengthening the capacity to support the Government to promote sustainable development, job creation and good governance.
The World Bank support has helped Bangladesh to achieve remarkable progress in many areas such as increasing school enrolment, improving health status, expanding renewable energy, and providing infrastructure like rural roads and water supply. Since independence, the World Bank has provided more than $16 billion support to Bangladesh and helped the country to significantly reduce poverty and boost human development. The World Bank’s current portfolio in Bangladesh consists of 36 projects with a commitment of $4.5 billion.
