World Bank to appoint Chinese academic as chief economist

World Bank to appoint Chinese academic as chief economist

BEIJING (XFN-ASIA) – The World Bank will name a Chinese academic, Justin Lin, as its next chief economist, the Wall Street Journal reported.

The report said the move is intended to increase the presence of the developing world in the bank’s senior management.

Lin, 55, also known as Lin Yifu, replaces Francois Bourguignon, who retired in October, the report said.

Lin founded the China Center for Economic Research at Peking University, and advises the Chinese government. He will be the first Chinese citizen to be the bank’s chief economist.

The newspaper said final approval by the bank’s governing board is expected by the end of the month.