The majority of participants at an annual event co-sponsored by the IFC and the Emerging Markets Private Equity Association expressed confidence that the growth-driven model of investing in emerging markets would propel the industry forward.

The speakers, who represented a collection of private equity firms, limited partners, advisers, and market watchers, included IFC chief Lars Thuell, who said it is "the early stages of a recovery that are the most promising times to invest for private equity".