BOL examines access to finance
Bank of Lao PDR (BOL) recently convened an initial stakeholder meeting for the Making Access Possible (MAP) initiative, a global programme aimed at accelerating financial inclusion in developing countries.
Developed by the UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), MAP is designed to deepen understanding of the demand, supply and regulatory constraints to increasing financial inclusion in Laos through rigorous research, including a nationally representative household survey.
The programme requires the involvement of multiple ministries, local authorities and the private sector.
Results from the MAP programme will facilitate implementation of evidence-based policies to create an enabling environment for accelerating investment and activity in financial inclusion.
The programme will also support practitioners to better design services that meet the demands of families without access to finance, especially those in poverty.
Meeting participants welcomed MAP and extended their full cooperation in its implementation.
More consultation will take place over the next few months to design and finalise MAP diagnostic and research tools and methods to ensure a good fit within the Lao context.
MAP is a core activity under the Making Access to Finance More Inclusive for Poor People (MAFIPP) programme implemented by the BOL, with technical assistance from UNCDF. MAFIPP is a US$10 million programme funded by UNCDF, UNDP and AusAid.
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