WASHINGTON, July 3, 2017 – The World Bank has appointed Ellen Goldstein as its new Director for Myanmar, Cambodia and Lao PDR. In this position, she is responsible for strengthening the partnership with client countries while deepening the dialogue on economic reforms aimed at ending extreme poverty and promoting shared prosperity. For the first time, the World Bank is placing a Director in Yangon, reflecting the deepening of its partnership with Myanmar, as the country continues its historic transition toward a more market-oriented economy and toward greater regional and global integration.
“I am honored to have been appointed to represent the World Bank in Myanmar, Cambodia and Lao PDR, and look forward to better understanding their unique histories and development paths,” said Ms. Goldstein. “Most recently, these three countries have seen the fastest economic growth in East Asia. Through our partnership strategy in each country, the World Bank will continue to support inclusive growth that benefits the poor.”
Ms. Goldstein, a specialist in collective leadership and results management, has recently served as Director for the Western Balkans in the Europe and Central Asia Region, based in Vienna. Prior to her posting in Europe, Ms. Goldstein served as Director for Bangladesh and Nepal, based in Dhaka. She has spent over thirty years in the World Bank, in positions of increasing responsibility in the Africa, South Asia and Europe and Central Asia Regions. She also served as the first Director for Quality Assurance and Results at the African Development Bank.
She holds a Master’s Degree in International Economics and Development Studies from Princeton University, and a Master’s Degree in International Health and Population Dynamics from John’s Hopkin’s University.
Ms. Goldstein has relocated to Yangon and will hold introductory meetings with government officials, development partners, and other stakeholders in all three countries during this month.
The World Bank is supporting 43 active projects in the three countries, with commitments of over US$2.7 billion, as of June 2017. In addition to project support, the Bank also provides analytical and advisory work that shares knowledge and solutions to sustain high economic growth, invest in people through access to health and nutrition services, education, better roads, energy, and build resilience to climate change.
Current World Bank Project Support:
Cambodia: 12 active projects, US$ 243 million (including Trust Funds)
Lao PDR: 18 active projects, US$ 437 million (including Trust Funds)
Myanmar: 13 active projects, US$ 2 billion (including Trust Funds)
