DUSHANBE, July 7, 2012, Asia-Plus – Demand for microloans has reportedly increased in Tajikistan.

According to data from the National Bank of Tajikistan (NBT), the volume of microloans provided by Tajik banks rose 28.6 percent in a year to July 1, 2012.

The volume of microloans provided to residents of mountain areas reportedly rose 18.4 percent in a year to July 1, 2012, reaching 257.1 million somoni.

Meanwhile, the volume of loans provided by Tajik banks over the first six months of this year is 3.2 percent more than in the same period last year.

A source at Tajik central bank says the weighted average interest rate for loans provided in the national currency was 19.83 percent and the weighted average interest rate for loans provided in foreign currencies was 24.16 percent.