In-coming WB director for Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova introduced in Chisinau

Martin Raiser, the newly appointed World Bank country director for Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova, has been introduced today in Chisinau by Shigeo Katsu, World Bank Regional Vice President. The introduction conference was attended by Paul Bermingham, the incumbent country director, Info-Prim Neo reports. Martin Raiser said he couldn't wait to assume his new post on July 7. He believes that Moldova traverses a very important period, a period that overlaps with the work on the new WB Country Assistance Strategy for Moldova covering 2009-2012. The document aims to deepen social and economic reform, which would enhance the competitiveness of the country, increase people's income and develop its human resources. “I traveled by car all along from Odessa, crossing the southern part of the republic, and I must say that Moldova is a beautiful country that has a great potential and deserves a better future”, Raiser said. Martin Raiser was appointed to the new office on June 24. Prior to this job, Raiser worked as economic advisor for the three countries at the World Bank Office in Kiev. His work experience with the World Bank includes the post of country manager for Uzbekistan. Before that he served as chief economist at the European Bank of Reconstruction and Developing, authoring EBRD's annual reports on transition economies. A PhD in Economics, Raiser's language skills include German (native), English, French, and Russian.