International Finance Corporation 2000 Annual Report : Volume 1. Building Business, Creating Opportunity

Abstract

This is the International Finance
 Corporation (IFC) annual report for FY2000, which outlines
 its increased gross approvals, led by a record of new
 investments in Sub-Saharan Africa; the realization of its
 second-highest-ever annual net income; and, the significant
 resurgence in commercial bank lending through its
 syndications program. However, during the period IFC also
 felt the push of reformers, and critics, and the effects of
 a changing market place. Responsive to changing needs, IFC
 looks at how to bridge the digital divide which threatens
 the developing world; at ways to strengthen domestic
 financial markets; at how to address basic infrastructure;
 and, at how to improve access to health care and education,
 as well as how to improve environmental, and social
 sustainability. IFC's single largest sectoral focus
 remains the financial sector, which amounted to forty six
 percent of new approvals, though strategic priorities were
 further refined to align its activities with market
 realities, by building business, and creating job
 opportunities. Moreover, it has pioneered corporate
 environmental and social responsibility, by moving the
 private sector to actively promote economic development. IFC
 activities during FY2000 are presented, and, through case
 studies, shows the range of projects, by region and
 investment type. Finally, IFC's financial review
 describes performance, funding management, capital earnings,
 as well as risk management, and credit risk.