Mr. Merdan Atayev is an experienced business and finance professional, currently working as a Budget Analyst at the U.S. Embassy in Turkmenistan. Previously, he worked in the private sector, where he successfully streamlined and expedited business and financial operations, as well as regional projects aimed at facilitating public administration and cross-border trade. He served as a National Consultant for the development of a Trade Facilitation Portal at the International Trade Center of the World Trade Organization and worked as a Finance Specialist at Gujurly Inzener Economic Company.

Mr. Atayev managed a multi-million dollar project aimed at combating tuberculosis and developed a course on Public Finance for the new Master of Public Administration Program at the Civil Service Academy under the President of Turkmenistan. He holds an MBA from Central European University Business School (2012) and a BA in English Language and Literature from Magtymguly Turkmen State University (2004).