World Bank Group committed $34.3 billion in loans, grants, equity investments and guarantees to member states and private businesses in their countries during fiscal year 2007,which ended June 30. The money, up 7.8 percent from 2006, will fund 620 projects to promote private sector development, build infrastructure and improve health and education services, according to a report released Sept. 4.

The International Development Association, the branch of the World Bank that works with the poorest countries, committed $11.9 billion, 25 percent more than fiscal year 2006, and the highest amount in IDA’s history.