AKIPRESS.COM - Lilia Burunciuc, the new World Bank Director for Central Asia, made an introductory visit to Tajikistan on August 11-12, 2016.

Ms. Burunciuc brings a wide range of development experience to the job. A Moldovan national, she first joined the World Bank in 1996 and has held a number of leadership positions in different countries and regions of the world. Prior to taking her current assignment, Ms. Burunciuc served as the Manager in the Operations Policy and Country Services department of the World Bank in Washington DC.

During her first visit to Tajikistan, Ms. Burunciuc met with the President of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, and other senior government officials. She also visited the Nurek Hydropower Plant, which is currently being supported by the World Bank through two studies on dam rehabilitation and safety, and attended a donor conference on the rehabilitation of the Nurek Hydropower Plant.

“The World Bank is a long-standing partner of Tajikistan. Our goal is to make a real impact on improving people’s lives in Tajikistan. I look forward to continue to work with the government on private sector development and job creation, strengthening the energy sector, improving regional connectivity, and investing in people,” said Lilia Burunciuc.

During her visit, Ms. Burunciuc attended a donor conference on the Nurek Hydropower Plant rehabilitation on August 12, 2016, which was organized by the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources of the Republic of Tajikistan and brought together development partners engaged in development of the energy sector in Tajikistan. Access to affordable, clean, and sustainable energy and building the export potential of Tajikistan are a key economic opportunities in Tajikistan.

In her current role as World Bank Country Director for Central Asia, which includes Tajikistan, Ms. Burunciuc will continue working on the Bank’s investments in public services, such as education, health, municipal services, and social protection and focus on creating better living conditions for people in urban and rural regions.

The World Bank’s active portfolio in Tajikistan includes 23 projects (including regional projects and trust funds) with a net commitment of $357 million.