IFC has appointed Hector Gomez Ang its regional director for South Asia. Based in New Delhi, he will play a critical role in boosting IFC’s investments in the region, as it looks to recover from the severe impacts of Covid-19.

In taking on the new role, Gomez Ang said the private sector had an essential role in South Asia’s recovery from Covid-19, easing the burden on constrained public finances and reducing rising levels of poverty, due to the pandemic, according to a statement issued by IFC.

“The pandemic has left a scar on countries throughout the region, exacting a huge human toll of which we must remain mindful. We must also accept that we may have to live with the lingering impacts of Covid-19 for some time to come, and so it’s all the more imperative to continue to work together to support jobs and economic growth,” Gomez Ang said.

“That also means we must do what’s needed to ensure private sector investments can flow to where it’s needed, and in industries we know can support economic activity.”

"Given the significant shortfall of finances due to Covid and increasing climate emergency, we are using Covid and climate as cross-cutting entry points to find innovative solutions to the clear development challenges in the region," said Gomez Ang. "We stand with the people and governments of South Asia as we continue to invest in the region's private sector despite market uncertainties. We hope this will send a strong signal to other investors and give them confidence to continue to invest in the region."

A Mexican national, Gomez Ang joined IFC in Mexico City in 2006 as an investment officer, where he led business development in Mexico and Central America.

Gomez Ang succeeds Mengistu Alemayehu, who has assumed a new role as IFC’s Director of Global Equity Mobilization.