In a bid to improve the socioeconomic life of the rural people and alleviate poverty, the new Myanmar government is now implementing micro saving and credit enterprises out of eight rural development and poverty alleviation tasks. As part of its programme, Township Development Organizations under the Ministry of Border Affairs is disbursing loans to needy vendors and trishawmen across the country.

Recently, I made a field trip to townships in Mandalay Region in order to know how the loan disbursement scheme is working well there. "I run oranges and limes trading since 20 years. I have five family members and have to make investment of over K 1 million in my business. Thanks to a loan of K 0.2 million, I can make more investment in my business and get more profits, "said U Soe Aung from Kyaukse Myoma market.

A loan of K 1737.18 million has been disbursed by a total of 179 organizations seven in Kachin State (K 66.10 million), one in Kayah State (K 5 million), eight in Sagaing Region (K 222.68 million), 24 in Magway Region (K 148.60 million), 22 in Mandalay Region (K 158.24 million), 29 in Shan State (K 442.89 million), five in Kayin State (K 24.4 million), five in Taninthayi Region (K 25.20 million), 19 in Bago Region (K 185.55 million), ten in Mon State (K 110.82 million), 11 in Yangon Region (K 118.50 million), 12 in Rakhine State ( K 41.90 million) and 26 in Ayeyawady Region ( K 187.30 million).

Thanks to the loan disbursement programme, they can run their business well and earn constant income, thereby promoting day-to-day existence, education, social and health status.