WB lending up at US$22,3 bln

WASHINGTON – World Bank loans to developing countries rose by US$2,2 billion to US$22,3 billion (N$147,18 billion) in fiscal 2005, which ended June 30.

The bank said about US$13,6 billion went to emerging economies like India, Turkey, Brazil and China. Latin American countries, with a total of US$5,2 billion, accounted for the largest share of loans, grants, and guarantees last year.This was followed closely by South Asia with US$5 billion, Europe and Central Asia at US$4,1 billion, Africa US$3,9 billion, East Asia/Pacific US$2,9 billion, and Middle East and North Africa US$1,3 billion.-Nampa-ReutersLatin American countries, with a total of US$5,2 billion, accounted for the largest share of loans, grants, and guarantees last year.This was followed closely by South Asia with US$5 billion, Europe and Central Asia at US$4,1 billion, Africa US$3,9 billion, East Asia/Pacific US$2,9 billion, and Middle East and North Africa US$1,3 billion.-Nampa-Reuters