Scott Roberts was appointed as ADB's new Country Director for Việt Nam. — Photo courtesy of ADB

 HÀ NỘI — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has appointed Scott Roberts as its new Country Director for Việt Nam. He started the role in Hà Nội today.

Roberts will lead ADB’s resident mission in Hà Nội and oversee the bank’s operations, policy dialogue, and partnerships in the country. He will guide the implementation of ADB’s country partnership strategy for Việt Nam, focusing on green and inclusive growth, resilience to disasters and extreme weather events, and the transition to a more competitive, private sector-led economy. He will work closely with the government of Việt Nam, development partners, the private sector, and civil society to support high-quality investments and reforms that advance sustainable development.

"I am honoured to serve in Việt Nam, one of Asia's most dynamic economies and a valued partner of ADB," said  Roberts. "Việt Nam has set bold ambitions for growth that is greener and more inclusive. ADB will help turn those ambitions into results by financing resilient infrastructure, mobilising private capital, and supporting the innovation that will power the country's next stage of sustainable development."

Roberts has 27 years of professional experience in international development, including 16 years with ADB. He joined ADB in March 2010, led infrastructure finance transactions in the Private Sector Operations Department and subsequently held several technical and leadership roles. Prior to this appointment, he served as head of ADB’s ASEAN Power Grid and Special Fund Unit, coordinating the bank’s US$10 billion investment ambition in Southeast Asia connectivity and managing ASEAN-linked co-financing partnerships and funds.

Before joining ADB, he established the Beijing branch of global consultancy Cambridge Energy Research Associates (now part of S&P Global) and served as vice-president in GE Capital’s energy investment group.

Roberts, a US citizen, holds a master’s degree in public administration from Harvard Kennedy School, a master’s degree in business administration from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and a bachelor’s degree from Tufts University in the US.

ADB is a longstanding partner of Việt Nam and ASEAN. As the region’s main bank, ADB supports investments and reforms in Việt Nam’s transport, shift to clean energy, urban and water services, agriculture and rural development, education and skills, and public financial management. ADB also works with the government and the private sector to catalyse resilience finance and leverage public–private partnerships. ADB’s support is aligned with Việt Nam’s Socio-Economic Development Strategy 2026–30.

ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting sustainable, inclusive and resilient growth across Asia and the Pacific. Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard our planet. Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members. Fifty of them are from the region. — VNS