The Asian Development Bank (ADB) announced on Tuesday that it has appointed Asif S. Cheema as its new country director for China.

Cheema will oversee the Manila-based multilateral development bank's operations in the People's Republic of China (PRC), including the implementation of its country partnership strategy that prioritizes high-quality, sustainable development.

"I am deeply honored to take up the role of country director in the PRC and to build on ADB's four decades of strong partnership with the government and key stakeholders," said Cheema.

"ADB will continue its effective work with the PRC with a focus on innovation, environmental sustainability, resilience and shared benefits. We will continue supporting reforms, institutional development and private sector growth, while emphasizing knowledge cooperation."

He said the ADB and China will work together to share experience and best practices with other developing member countries, helping to promote replicable development models across Asia and the Pacific.

A Pakistani citizen, Cheema has more than 25 years of experience in investment banking and development finance.

Since joining the ADB in 2014, he has held several senior positions in the bank, including director of the financial institutions division for its private sector operations department and director of the urban and social sectors division of its East Asia regional department.

jiangxueqing@chinadaily.com.cn