Tokyo, Sept. 18 (Jiji Press)–The Japanese government said Wednesday it will recommend Masatsugu Asakawa, former vice minister of finance for international affairs, to be the next president of the Asian Development Bank.
   

Japan will call on member countries and regions of the Manila-based ADB to support Asakawa.
   

Asakawa, currently special adviser to the cabinet, served as the country’s top currency diplomat for a record period, from July 2015 until July this year.
   

“Asakawa has rich experience in international finance, economic cooperation and international tax,” Finance Minister Taro Aso said in a statement.
   

“He is the best qualified person for ADP president,” Aso said.
   

Current ADP President Takehiko Nakao will step down on Jan. 16 next year.