The Tonga government has created a special loan scheme to help women establish small businesses.
The US$218,000 dollar scheme will provide money at an interest rate of four percent to women's development groups.
Radio Tonga said the loan scheme, being implemented by the Tonga Development Bank, requires no security.
The finance minister, 'Aisake Eke, said the government wanted to encourage women to set up small enterprises to help them earn income.
Source:
Radio New Zealand International