Asian Development Bank (ADB)'s Vice-President for Private Sector Operations and Public-Private Partnerships Ashok Lavasa has stated that ADB is considering giving a loan to a Maldivian bank to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Lavasa made the statement during an interview given to Press Trust of India (PTE) during the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit held in Manila last week.

Lavasa, who did not name the bank or the loan amount, stated that 60% of the loan will go to SMEs and 10% towards women.

He further added that ADB continues to support both public and private sector in the Maldives. As such, Lavasa stated that ADB has been supporting Maldivian government in promoting infrastructure and tourism.