Kanokpan Lao-Araya
Country Director, Uzbekistan Resident Mission, Asian Development Bank

Gem Lao-Araya has more than 27 years of experience working in the Asia–Pacific development sector. Her 21 years in ADB have focused on specialized fields, such as public financial management, public administration reforms, and private sector development. Prior to her current post, she served as country director for the Kyrgyz and Bhutan resident missions. She holds doctorate and master's degrees in Economics from Indiana University (Bloomington) and a bachelor's degree in Economics (Honors) from Chulalongkorn University.

Insight

Bhutan has achieved high rates of economic growth and poverty reduction by taking a holistic approach to development that includes the personal happiness of its citizens