ADB's Mitsuhashi: $3bn Annual Türkiye Deployment to 2027

New Leadership and Expanded Operations

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has appointed Keiju Mitsuhashi as its inaugural Country Director for Türkiye, with his tenure beginning on 26 October 2026. This move is part of ADB's strategy to deepen its engagement within the country, which became a regional member in 2025.

Mr Mitsuhashi will direct ADB’s in-country operations and supervise the establishment of an interim office in Ankara by December 2026, preceding the full inauguration of a Türkiye Resident Mission during 2027.

This expansion aims to enhance the bank's local presence and facilitate closer collaboration with governmental and private sector entities, aligning with the ADB’s interim country partnership strategy for 2025–2027.

Strategic Financing Commitments

Under Mr Mitsuhashi’s leadership, ADB anticipates its annual financing commitments for Türkiye to reach approximately $3 billion on average through to 2027. This financial support is earmarked for several critical sectors.

Key areas of focus include post-earthquake recovery efforts, development of essential infrastructure, supporting business growth, enhancing energy security, and improving public services in health care and education. Additionally, agribusiness initiatives are slated for investment.

These commitments underscore ADB’s objective to support Türkiye’s sustainable development and strengthen its resilience against both natural disasters and economic volatility, as stated by Mr Mitsuhashi.

Director's Expertise in Development and Energy

Mr Mitsuhashi brings over 27 years of professional experience to his new role, including 17 years spent with the ADB. His background encompasses specialisation in regional power trade, energy security strategies, and private sector development, alongside extensive experience in project design and implementation.

Before this appointment, Mr Mitsuhashi served as the director of ADB’s Energy Sector Office, where he oversaw a project portfolio exceeding $10 billion across 25 economies in Southeast Asia and the Pacific.

His prior roles also include deputy country director for Viet Nam and principal planning and policy economist, demonstrating a broad understanding of the region's development challenges and opportunities.

Türkiye's Role as a Regional Hub

Türkiye’s strategic geographic position is central to ADB’s expanded focus, with Mr Mitsuhashi highlighting its potential as a significant transport, energy, and digital conduit connecting Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Europe. This perspective informs the ADB’s engagement, aiming to unlock Türkiye’s capacity to facilitate regional integration and trade.

The bank’s commitment to strengthening the country’s resilience against economic shocks and natural disasters is also critical, particularly given its vulnerability to seismic activity. By supporting the private sector, ADB intends to stimulate sustainable growth and utilise Türkiye’s potential as a regional economic anchor.

Implications for Regional Economic Development

The ADB's commitment of an average $3 billion annually to Türkiye through 2027, under its new Country Director, signifies a concentrated effort to bolster key economic sectors.

Decision-makers in Central Asia and the Caucasus should note the emphasis on Türkiye as a transport, energy, and digital hub, which suggests potential for enhanced infrastructure linkages and cross-border trade facilitation. The focus on energy security and critical infrastructure directly impacts regional supply chains and investment flows.

Businesses operating or considering expansion in these connected regions may find new opportunities arising from improved connectivity and greater stability, with the full Türkiye Resident Mission expected to be operational during 2027, providing a more established point of contact for these initiatives.