Benhassine Takes Over as World Bank Regional Director for Central Asia

The World Bank has appointed Najy Benhassine as its new Regional Director for Central Asia, with effect from July 2025. He will lead the Bank’s regional office based in Tashkent, according to the institution’s press service.

Benhassine replaces Tatiana Proskuryakova, who held the position from 2021 until June this year. Prior to his new role, he headed the World Bank’s office in Pakistan from 2020 to June 2025.

«It is an honour to lead the World Bank’s dynamic and wide-ranging operations in Central Asia — a region of more than 80 mln people undergoing rapid economic and demographic transformation,» Benhassine said.

The World Bank currently runs 85 projects across Central Asia, with a total commitment of USD 11 bn, focused on modernising the region’s socio-economic landscape. Benhassine confirmed his intention to support the development of an inclusive market economy, as well as address pressing challenges in energy, water resources, and environmental sustainability.

Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that the World Bank would allocate USD 150 mln for small hydropower projects in Uzbekistan.