International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (The World Bank)

(banking) The International Bank for Reconstruction and Finance (IBRF) was proposed at Bretton Woods on July 1944, commencing operation in June 1946. Originally established to help countries reconstruct their economies after World War II. IBRD, commonly referred to as the World Bank, now assists developing member countries by lending to government agencies, or by guaranteeing private loans for such projects as agricultural modernization or infrastructural development. Contact: The World Bank; 1818 H Street NW; Washington, DC 20433 USA; Tel: [1] (202) 473-1000; Web: www.worldbank.org. See International Monetary Fund; World Bank; World Bank Group.