Wendao Cao is a Senior Agriculture Economist of Agriculture and Food Global Practice. He is based in the Beijing Country Office. He has worked extensively on both Advisory Services and Analytics (ASA) and operational aspects of the World Bank programs. He has about 20 years working experience in the World Bank, covering broad areas including poverty reduction, rural development, climate smart agriculture, food safety, watershed management, small town development and one health. Prior to joining the World Bank, he had worked in various settings, including 10 years at central government level (Ministry of Science and Technology as Director), one year at county government (as Vice-Party Secretary), 2 years at township/grassroots level, and 2 years consultancy work, as well as broad institutional experience, including working for AusAID, ADB, UNDP, UNESCAP. He holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from the China Academy of Agriculture Sciences (2000), an MSc in Agricultural Economics from the Renmin University of China (1992), and a BSc in Agricultural Economics from Anhui Agriculture University (1987), People's Republic of China.