When the International Finance Corp. financed its first coalbed methane project in China in late August, the venture involved much more than simply producing CBM instead of coal. The $15 million equity investment in Houston-based Far East Energy Corp.’s project in Shanxi and Yunnan provinces reflected IFC’s broader mission of minimizing adverse social and economic impacts while encouraging local development and investments.“We exist to assist the private sector in emerging markets, but with a broader view of making sure countries and communities fully benefit. We always look for added value beyond a project-and each project is different,” explained Somit Varma, who...