BUSINESS in brief

EXIM distributes record J$8b

EXIM Bank Jamaica said it distributed loans valued at J$8.36 billion, year to date, a record for the agency.

This funds were spread across all major sectors of the economy including manufacturing, agro-processing, mining, information communication technology services, and the creative industries, said EXIM.

The bank has operated for 27 years. It typically backs firms in the productive sector.

"The bank is proud of maintaining its record of increasing loan financing to the productive sectors year over year, reaffirming our commitment to providing viable solutions to promote the sustainability of our target market which comprises mostly SMEs," said EXIM Managing Director Lisa Bell in a company statement announcing the new record.

NHT to accept scheme applications online

The National Housing Trust has created a new online application system for schemes, to be rolled out when the Hellshire Phase 4 development hits the market next week.

"During the scheme intake period, customers applying for a NHT scheme benefit may now do so anytime from anywhere they like," said Dr Lanie-Marie Oakley-Williams, senior general manager for customer relations.

The system will also allow for "speedier responses regarding the success of their application as the processing time will be shortened", said Dr Oakley-Williams.

Applications for the Hellshire scheme will be accepted November 11-13.