Laura Alfaro Appointed Chief Economist of the Inter-American Development Bank

Laura Alfaro has officially taken on the role of Chief Economist and Economic Counselor at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), following a rigorous selection process. With a rich background in economic research and public policy tailored to Latin America and the Caribbean, Alfaro is set to enhance the IDB's capacity to address pressing regional issues.

This appointment is strategic, particularly as it strengthens the IDB's Research Department, which is dedicated to tackling key challenges facing the region. Topics such as productivity enhancement, fostering private-sector growth, advancing technological integration including AI, improving public sector efficiency, and ensuring fiscal sustainability will receive increased focus. Additionally, the department aims to tackle critical concerns regarding financial inclusion, energy resilience, and social inequalities. The new chief economist is poised to directly contribute to the IDB's IDBImpact+ initiative, which emphasizes the integration of rigorous economic analysis into policy-making and operational strategies.

IDB President Ilan Goldfajn expressed enthusiasm about Alfaro's appointment, citing its synergy with the implementation of IDBImpact+. Goldfajn emphasized that research is central to IDB's strategy, aiming to shape public discourse while ensuring that academic insights inform actionable solutions for the region's needs.

In her own words, Alfaro said, "It is an honor and a great joy to join the Inter-American Development Bank as Chief Economist and Economic Counselor. Knowledge only makes sense when it becomes impact. Today, more than ever, our region needs bold ideas, rigorous analysis, and genuine collaboration to turn data into decisions that improve lives. I look forward to working alongside an extraordinary team to contribute to that purpose at this turning point for our region."

Before joining the IDB, Laura Alfaro was a Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School and previously served as the Minister of National Planning and Economic Policy for Costa Rica from 2010 to 2012. Alfaro is a dual citizen of the United States and Costa Rica and holds a Ph.D. in Economics from UCLA, in addition to degrees from the Universidad de Costa Rica and the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.

The IDB, founded in 1959, dedicates itself to enhancing lives across Latin America and the Caribbean. Through collaborations with the public sector, the IDB designs innovative solutions aimed at fostering sustainable and inclusive development. With its diverse array of financing options, technical expertise, and knowledge resources, the IDB works across 26 countries to promote growth and improve well-being.

For more details about IDB and its initiatives, visit IDB's official website.