With microcredits, we will seek to support the informal workers

Ecuadornews:

In a country like Ecuador, where the economy falters and where 47.5% of its population works in informality, the options to generate more employment become scarce, but not the methods to alleviate this reality. At least that’s what you want to do from Guayaquil, where through a plan you will try to capitalize and support people who do not have a regularized job.

The announcement made last week by Mayor Jaime Nebot, to support with loans to street vendors, came to materialize yesterday when he publicly disclosed the details of this plan he will execute in conjunction with the Banco del Pacífico and the Corporación Financiera Nacional (CFN) Together they will invest $ 30 million ($ 10 million each entity) to provide loans of between $ 300 and $ 500, for a term of 12 months and with an interest rate of 15%, half of what would currently be offered in the market. There will no longer be 50,000 workers benefited, he said, but 60,000.

The purpose is not only to support those people who, for certain circumstances, cannot have a better job, but those who have not been able to access a loan to develop their businesses. “This is part of an inclusive financial policy. We must bear in mind that 50% of our population is not yet included in the formal financial system and we must work hard on that, “said Efraín Vieira, president of Banco del Pacífico, the entity that will administer the offer of this service.

The mayor warned that this is not “a gift for the people of Guayaquil, but an opportunity to develop” and that, like any loan, must be honored. To make sure of that, these entities will first measure the savings capacity of the applicants. The first requirement (see supports) will be to open a bank account in which, for five months, they must save $ 100 ($ 20 per month). Only then will it be known if they are or not subject to credit.

On the street, this plan generates expectations. Raúl Villavicencio says that this type of credit would allow him to buy a cart and sell roast chickens. It is an aspiration that has been pursued for months, since the income obtained from the sale of snacks and water is insufficient.

The Municipality has registered 35 thousand informal vendors that work in the outskirts of municipal markets, shopping centers, squares and kiosks. The support that is now announced, says Pablo Salazar, a merchant, contrasts with the strong municipal policies that for years have prevented them from working freely. And that is something that is appreciated.

The plan is also applauded from the academy, although Jorge Calderón, dean of Economics of the UEES, hopes that its execution can be comprehensive. “The idea is that these people will eventually leave the role of being informal and that they will be able to pay taxes and contribute to the city.” For this purpose he proposes to organize and train them.

What is required to access this service?

One account

Those interested should open a savings account, through any of the channels of Banco del Pacífico. Even from your Onboard BdP app, which allows you to make this transaction in less than five minutes.

Saving

In this account, applicants must accumulate $ 100 of savings for five months (a minimum of $ 20 per month). These savings will not only serve as a credit backup, but will help identify the level of savings and payment they might have.

Citizenship

This plan is only addressed to Guayaquil residents or those who have resided in the city for more than four years. To prove it, they must not only present an identity card, but a copy of the basic services forms. (I)

Source: http://www.expreso.ec/economia/creditos-trabajo-economia-emprendimiento-cfn-FF2304799