The World Bank on Thursday announced the appointment of Faris Hadad-Zervos as the new Country Director for Afghanistan.

Previously, Hadad-Zervos served as the Country Director for Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.

“Mr. Faris Hadad-Zervos has been appointed the World Bank’s new Country Director for Afghanistan, effective today. He succeeds Ms. Melinda Good, who has taken on a new World Bank assignment. Mr. Hadad-Zervos’ most recent assignment was serving as the Country Director for Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka,” the World Bank stated.

Expressing his enthusiasm for his new role, Hadad-Zervos stated, “I am excited to continue our support to the people of Afghanistan, together with our partners. My first priority is to ensure that the World Bank continues supporting basic services that are so essential to the welfare and future prospects of the Afghan people such as healthcare, education, food security, and livelihoods support, with a focus on ensuring that women and girls benefit.”

He also emphasized the importance of supporting the private sector and micro, small, and medium enterprises, particularly those operated by women, to foster job creation and inclusive growth.

“I am also keen to ensure that we increase our support to the private sector and micro, small and medium enterprises – including those run by women – so the private sector can create much-needed jobs and realize its potential as an engine of inclusive growth,” said Hadad-Zervos.

Meanwhile, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) has welcomed the appointment of a new head of the World Bank office in Afghanistan and said that the bank should resume the work of its incomplete projects in Afghanistan.

According to experts, however, since the sanctions have had a negative impact on the country’s banking system, it is hoped that the expansion of the World Bank’s activities will lead to the improvement of Afghanistan’s economic situation.

Hadad-Zervos, a U.S. national, has been with the World Bank since 1996. His career includes positions as Country Manager in Nepal, Malaysia, and Bolivia, and roles such as Manager of the Technical Cooperation Program with the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Head of Mission for Iraq, and Operations Manager for the West Bank and Gaza.