Zafar Iqbal Email Address

Senior Economist

The Islamic Development Bank is an international financial institution that aims to foster the economic development and social progress of member countries and Muslim communities individually as well as jointly in accordance with the principles Islamic Law. The functions of the Bank are to participate in equity capital and grant loans for productive projects and enterprises besides providing financial assistance to member countries in other forms for economic and social development. It is also charged with the responsibility of assisting in the promotion of foreign trade especially in capital goods, among member countries; providing technical assistance to member countries; and extending training facilities for personnel engaged in development activities in Muslim countries to conform to the principles of Islamic Law. The present membership of the Bank consists of 56 countries.

I hold Ph.D. Degree in Economics. I have 33 years of professional experiences at various senior level positions in several institutions including Pakistan Institute of Development Economics, International Monetary Fund, and Group Chief Economist Complex and Operations Complex in IDB. During my 13 year experience in the IDB, I have led works in formulation of 5 country strategies, prepared country economic works/ diagnostic reports; undertaken country dialogue; and monitored country and regional operational portfolio. I have coordinated IDB Annual Work Programs for 57 Member Countries and led preparation of flagship IDB Annual Reports. I have undertaken economic research and published works in the areas of macroeconomics, econometrics, development economics, international economics, public finance, economic growth; global financial crisis and post-crisis economic recovery; G20 global development agenda; and saving and investment. I had performed leadership role through my professional career and most recently served as Acting Division Manager of South and Southeast Asia Region.