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The Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) Department is increasingly focused on working with companies that serve those at the base of the economic pyramid (BOP) and in less-developed areas of the region. As a result, our investments in LAC have positive social and economic outcomes. In 2008, LAC portfolio companies supported 575,323 new jobs. Power was accessed by 59.7 million new customers. Utility services distribution increased to 26.9 million new customers in 2008, compared to 24.7 million in 2007. Additionally, our portfolio companies increased the number of loans to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to 4.8 million in 2008, compared to 3.7 million in 2007, while the local purchase of goods and services grew from $15.4 billion to $17.3 billion. With greater access to infrastructure, finance, goods, and services, businesses in the region can expand into new markets and individuals can increase their economic opportunities. |
