But inequality and growth rates that trail most emerging regions persist, as well as an investment gap, particularly in upgrading manufacturing competitiveness and infrastructure and in the social sectors. Further reforms are needed for sustainable growth—in pensions, labor, infrastructure, and the financial sector—and some countries are advancing on these fronts. Growth also needs to be achieved while protecting natural resources and biodiversity.

IFC's Strategy for Latin America and the Caribbean

Helping make markets work for all remains IFC’s focus:

• We work to improve the region’s business environment; broaden and deepen access to finance, especially for micro, small, and medium enterprises; and we encourage the sustainable development of physical and social infrastructure, including through innovative public-private partnerships.
• We seek to partner with companies over the long term, helping them compete globally and set benchmarks for responsible business practices.
• We work closely with the World Bank and engage with stakeholders from the earliest stages of project development to maximize social and economic benefits.
• We increasingly take a country-level or regional approach to a sector, such as financial markets, health and education, agribusiness, and general manufacturing.
• To increase our impact in frontier countries and regions, we are broadening our engagement in the Eastern Caribbean states, Haiti, and Central America.