Investment commitments to infrastructure projects with private participation in the Middle East and North Africa grew by 7 percent to US2.8 billion in 2007, the highest level since 1990, according to just-released data from the private participation in infrastructure project database. The region accounted for 8 percent of the year's total investment commitments to developing countries. Investment commitments in the region were driven mainly by projects implemented in previous years. Projects reaching financial closure in 1990-2006 attracted US.8 billion, while the 13 new projects implemented in 2007 accounted for US.1 billion. Investment in physical assets grew by 35 percent to US.3 billion, the highest level ever. Payments to governments (such as divestiture revenues and spectrum or concession fees) fell from the highest level reached (US.3 billion, in 2006) to US.6 billion, about 36 percent of annual investment.