In particular, infrastructure bonds are a very popular investment channel, tied to the financing of the Government’s long-term infrastructure projects. These bonds were introduced in February 2009, and their success has signaled the launch of similar bonds by corporates. The diaspora youth and women also have an opportunity to participate in the Government gender and youth empowerment programs.
Domestic interest rates on lending have dropped to as low as 5 percent from 20 percent substantially reducing financial costs of businesses. Central to the economic reforms process has been a clear progression towards deregulation of the economy. Prices of petroleum products, gas, energy, agricultural commodities and other key inputs are determined by market.