WASHINGTON, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Overall bank lending conditions for emerging markets have improved for the first time since the second quarter of 2011, said a global financial industry report on Wednesday.

The emerging market bank lending index rose to 50.5 in the last quarter of 2012, following five consecutive quarters during which it was below 50, according to a report released by Institute of International Finance, which represents some 450 major financial institutions worldwide. A reading above 50 indicates that bank lending conditions are improving.

"International funding conditions for banks in emerging market economies continued to ease significantly in the final quarter of 2012, reflecting the very easy monetary policy in mature economies, " the IIF said.

The IIF also noted that international trade finance conditions improved substantially across all regions, particularly in Asia, which was quite encouraging for the global economy. However, the growth of loan demand continued to weaken in emerging markets.

The IIF's latest report was compiled from the survey conducted between mid-December 2012 and mid-January 2013 with 141 banks in emerging market economies participated.