Akmal is a natural resource economist with extensive experience in sustainable development. In his 22-year career at ADB, Akmal has prepared a number of development projects and contributed to country strategies in several countries in the Asia and the Pacific. He has promoted creative project interventions in water resources management, horticulture and dairy value chains, animal disease control, and forest plantations. He has successfully led important policy dialogues with high-level government officials.
Akmal led ADB-wide new initiatives in the sector, cultivated cooperation with other organizations, and helped generate knowledge and adopt high-level technologies.
He left his position in ADB in February 2021.