Minister of Finance Ibrahim Ameer has stated the administration has disbursed loans worth over USD 13 million under the economic relief package.
Speaking at a press conference held at the National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC), Finance Minister Ameer provided details of the loan assistance extended thus far. In this regard, the minister revealed Bank of Maldives (BML) has approved USD 11.85 million in loans to 125 individuals. He further said SME Development Finance Corporation (SDFC) has approved a total of 640 loans thus far, of which USD 1.5 million has been paid out to 241 applicants.
The minister noted the applicants which have received the relief loans through SDFC include 193 businesses and 48 self-employed freelancers. He added 84 loans worth USD 925,000 have been issued to self-employed women.
The government of the Maldives introduced economic relief packages in efforts to reduce the impact of COVID 19 pandemic on businesses and freelancers.