World Bank Appoints Yasser El-Gammal as Country Manager for Romania and Hungary

Based in Bucharest, Mr. El-Gammal will oversee the World Bank’s program in Romania and Hungary and lead the policy dialogue with government counterparts, the private sector, civil society, and other relevant constituencies in the two countries.

“As Country Manager, I will work closely with all counterparts and partners in Romania and Hungary to strengthen our partnerships for the benefit of the citizens of both countries,” said Mr. El-Gammal. “In Romania, the World Bank Group remains a strategic partner as the country strives to achieve its national development priorities. From improving human capital outcomes and unlocking private sector investment to increasing resilience and accelerating a green transition, I look forward to supporting the Government’s efforts to promote prosperity and address inequality in a livable Romania.”

An Egyptian and Canadian national, Mr. El-Gammal joined the World Bank in 1996. Over the last twelve years, he has held several managerial positions including Country Manager in Rwanda and Regional Social Protection Manager in the Middle East and East Asia.

Mr. El-Gammal succeeds Ms. Anna Akhalkatsi.

The World Bank has been present in Romania since 1991. Since then, it has provided investment loans, guarantees, and grants in all sectors of the Romanian economy. In addition to investment operations, a broad program of Advisory Services and Analytics, mainly through Reimbursable Advisory Services, supports the Government’s development priorities and enhances the capacity of key institutions to improve the efficiency of public administration.