Laura Alfaro Appointed Chief Economist at Inter-American Development Bank

The Inter-American Development Bank has announced the appointment of Laura Alfaro as its new Chief Economist and Economic Counselor. This decision comes after a rigorous selection process, highlighting Alfaro's profound expertise in economic research and public policy, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean. Her role is expected to bolster the IDB's Research Department, focusing on critical regional issues such as productivity, competitiveness, and inequality, aligning with the IDBImpact+ vision to integrate economic analysis more deeply into the Bank's operations and strategies.

Laura Alfaro, a distinguished economist with a rich background including a professorship at Harvard Business School and a tenure as Costa Rica's Minister of National Planning and Economic Policy, expressed her enthusiasm for the opportunity to contribute to the region's development. Her appointment is seen as a pivotal moment for the IDB, reinforcing its commitment to leveraging research and knowledge to address the pressing challenges facing Latin America and the Caribbean. Alfaro's dual citizenship and academic credentials underscore her unique position to bridge gaps and foster collaboration for sustainable development in the region.