International Finance Corporation:

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is the private sector lending arm of the World Bank Group, providing financial services to businesses investing in the developing world. The mandate of the IFC's is to promote sustainable economic development through the private sector. The IFC pursues this goal through innovative solutions to the challenges of development, as we invest in companies and financial institutions in emerging markets. IFC considers positive developmental impact an integral part of good business, and we focus much of our effort on the countries with the greatest need for investment. It should be recognized that economic growth is sustainable only if it is environmentally and socially sound and helps improve the quality of life for those living in developing countries. With international trade flows dropping by as much as 10 percent during the global financial crisis, the International Finance Corporation tripled its existing trade finance program to $3 billion in 2009.The program provides guarantees for trade transactions in more than70 countries, primarily supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The Global Trade Finance Program (World Bank) is currently growing at a rate of approximately 40 percent per annum. Working with a broad range of partners, the IFC operates a targeted set of special initiatives to strengthen the private sector in emerging markets and increase its role in development amid today's challenging conditions. Together with its partner governments and international financial institutions, the International Finance Corporation has mobilized more than $11 billion alongside its own $7 billion to support initiatives in several key areas, while also launching coordinated action plans with other international financial institutions in Africa, Central and Eastern Europe, and Latin America and the Caribbean. Pooling capital in innovative public-private partnerships, partners in these initiatives leverage International Finance Corporation's efficiency, results orientation, and global/local presence, achieving significant development impact.