Defend Truth

Microfinance groups meet to boost industry in Asia

Microfinance has helped many a marginal family in southeast Asia. Now a meeting in Sri Lanka by such lending bodies has focused on making this sector even more efficient. Such financing most often helps small women entrepreneurs in Asia’s tens of thousands of rural villages, and the business is growing at a rapid clip. Microfinance helps those who sell fish or vegetables on the side of the road and people such as tailors and those running small textiles concerns. Commercial banks can’t yet reach the majority who live away from Asian cities. The regulation of microfinance in the region prevents people from being ripped off by loan providers who charge usurious rates of interest. Read more: BBC

Gallery

Please peer review 3 community comments before your comment can be posted

We would like our readers to start paying for Daily Maverick...

…but we are not going to force you to. Over 10 million users come to us each month for the news. We have not put it behind a paywall because the truth should not be a luxury.

Instead we ask our readers who can afford to contribute, even a small amount each month, to do so.

If you appreciate it and want to see us keep going then please consider contributing whatever you can.

Support Daily Maverick→
Payment options

Premier Debate: Gauten Edition Banner

Join the Gauteng Premier Debate.

On 9 May 2024, The Forum in Bryanston will transform into a battleground for visions, solutions and, dare we say, some spicy debates as we launch the inaugural Daily Maverick Debates series.

We’re talking about the top premier candidates from Gauteng debating as they battle it out for your attention and, ultimately, your vote.

Daily Maverick Elections Toolbox

Feeling powerless in politics?

Equip yourself with the tools you need for an informed decision this election. Get the Elections Toolbox with shareable party manifesto guide.