Nianshan Zhang is the Deputy Director General of ADB’s Central and West Asia Department. Before assuming this post, he was the region’s Advisor and Head for the Portfolio, Results, Safeguards and Gender Unit in CWOD-PSG. His unit oversaw the implementation of ADB’s safeguards policies, investment portfolio, financial management, and gender equity of projects in the region. Mr. Zhang held various other positions in ADB, including as senior transport specialist; senior advisor to the Vice President, VPO1; and deputy country director in ADB’s Pakistan Resident Mission. He holds a master's degree in economics from the University of International Business and Economics, and a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of International Economics and Trade in the People’s Republic of China.