ABSTRACT
Across Asia and neighboring countries, there have been many microfinance schemes introduced. The majority of these schemes have improved the immediate lives of individuals and their families who have received the microcredit loans, with proven outcomes of better health, education, and housing. This chapter focuses on the goals, objectives, and strategies for microfinance schemes and the overarching policies that have allowed them to flourish. It outlines suggestions for improving the facilitation for these schemes to play their role in alleviating poverty in Asia. At the government level, microfinance policies and strategies vary according to the state of economic development, and the strength of political and social relationships with international and regional trade. There may be a stage in which funds are only allocated to those individuals, families, or groups who can demonstrate entrepreneurial ability in order to achieve sustainable economic development.
