David Freedman Announced as World Bank Group Resident Representative for Timor-Leste

Dili, July 1, 2025 – David Freedman has been appointed as the World Bank Group Resident Representative for Timor-Leste, a position that unifies country-level leadership across the institution to better support the country’s public and private sector priorities. David will lead the programs of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD)/International Development Association (IDA), International Finance Corporation (IFC), and Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) in Timor-Leste, providing a single point of contact for access to the full breadth of World Bank Group products and services. This will enhance the institutions’ ability to address global challenges, and drive development with speed, efficiency, and impact. 

“Timor-Leste has come a long way since regaining independence. The country is at an important stage in its development, and we hope to contribute to inclusive economic growth, job creation, and shared prosperity in the coming years. The move to a World Bank Group Joint Representation will help us to be more efficient and effective. We will be preparing a new strategy to guide our work in Timor-Leste and aim to strengthen our partnership with the government, private sector, and the people of Timor-Leste. We are ready to listen and to work as true partners,” said David Freedman, the World Bank Group Resident Representative for Timor-Leste.  

The World Bank Group’s engagement in Timor-Leste focuses on supporting the country’s efforts to promote productive employment, diversify its economy, and strengthen fiscal sustainability. This includes investments in transport connectivity and agricultural value chains, technical assistance to strengthen public financial management, and support for foundational reforms to expand access to finance and strengthen financial inclusion.  

David Freedman joined the World Bank Group in 2021 as the IFC Resident Representative for Timor-Leste. Originally from the UK, he trained as an economist at the University of Nottingham and University of British Columbia. Before joining the World Bank Group, he worked for the Asian Development Bank in several roles including Head of Economics, Strategy, and Programming in Cambodia. He speaks several languages including Chinese, Spanish, and Tetun.