Through our Global Trade Finance Program, IFC has increased its assistance to conflict- affected and least developed countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) to help businesses, especially small businesses, expand by facilitating their access to trade finance. Full Story
The linchpin of the global economy, international trade, is expected to decline this year for the first time since 1982. IFC and other international organizations must do all they can in response: keeping trade flowing is essential to saving jobs and curbing the impact of the crisis on people in the developing world. Full Story
An investment-grade country with the second-highest per capita income in the Middle East and North Africa, Tunisia might seem to be easy ground for privately financed infrastructure projects. Full Story
IFC is investing in a new hospital in Afghanistan that will expand access to health care and medical training and help address the country's shortage of medical professionals. Full Story
Yemen has made some important business reforms this year. IFC and the U.K.’s Department for International Development are partnering to keep progress on track. Full Story
"Small businesses are major creators of jobs, and a job is the best safety net for the poor," said EVP and CEO Lars Thunell at the launch of a partnership with Standard Chartered Bank to build managerial capacity of smaller businesses in Pakistan. Full Story
IFC is helping countries recover from conflict by supporting microfinance and creating opportunities to improve people's lives. Full Story
IFC has been active in the West Bank and Gaza since 1996, investing in companies and providing advisory services to support entrepreneurs and small businesses. Full Story
IFC's activities in the Middle East and North Africa have never been stronger. Our efforts are bringing tangible benefits to millions of people across the region. Full Story
IFC is supporting private investment in hospitals and clinics across the Middle East, part of a global trend that is helping reshape the region's health care sector. Full Story
