More institutional investors are increasing their private equity commitments in emerging markets, according to a new survey released as pension funds pour money into eastern Europe, Latin America and Asia.

More than three quarters, or 78%, of limited partners projected that their commitments to Asia, Eastern Europe, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East will keep growing over the next three-to-five years, compared to 65% last year and 45% in 2004. The annual report by the Emerging Markets Private Equity Association surveyed 81 institutional investors.