Cuba Approves 530 Bank Loans

HAVANA TIMES, Jan 20 — Some 530 bank loan applications have been approved just one month after the authorization of this operation, reported officials on the “Mesa Redonda” television news/commentary program.

So far the process has been characterized by high volumes of loan-seekers at branches of the Banco Central de Cuba, where 3,173 applications have been made, said the panelists.

Bank interest payments will be directed by the government towards the purchase of building materials and labor for the repair of housing for very low-income households, said the experts.