What is the Bank doing to help the region fight the crisis?
The IDB has been partnering with countries to mitigate current risks and prevent the negative outcomes of the crisis from taking place. The IDB created a $6 billion emergency liquidity fund in October to provide financing for banks in the region so they can continue to provide loans to companies. Costa Rica, El Salvador and Jamaica have used the fund. We are reinforcing our policy dialogue with the countries in order to maximize the best possible allocation of our resources and have the greatest impact. We are committed to increase our financing to the region. 7. The Bank’s investments have suffered because of the crisis. How could this affect your lending? Our lending or operations have not been materially affected. The global financial crisis has reduced the market prices of several types of securities and the IDB was not immune. Our liquid investment portfolio sustained losses last year, mostly unrealized. However, the IDB maintains its strong financial position. More than 99 percen
