IFC continues to show positive development impact, as measured by the independent Operations Evaluation Group, which evaluates mature projects in terms of project business performance, economic sustainability, environmental impacts, and private sector development. This year's findings showed the following trends:

• Based on a synthesis of performance ratings for projects approved in 2001–2003, 59 percent of operations made positive contributions to development.
• IFC project success rates are improving generally, but environmental, social, health, and safety performance have not improved in line with other outcomes.
• IFC has invested more, and achieved better outcomes, in key sectors—financial markets, infrastructure, information technology, and health and education—increasing their share of total commitments to 55 percent in FY05.
• The risk profile of recent commitments has improved.
• IFC has successfully steered resources toward poorer countries and regions where access to finance is most difficult.