REGIONAL AND SECTORAL WISE DISBURSEMENT OF SMALL AND MEDIUM SCALE LOANS IN OMAN DEVELOPMENT BANK

The Oman Development Bank (ODB) was established in the year 1976 under the Royal Decree No 31/76. The ODB is the first specialised development bank started in Sultanate for the purpose of contributing to the economic and social development in the country. ODB is attracted by more local and foreign investments created many investment opportunities in development projects by providing the funds, technical support and advice to its clients especially in the establishments of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs). The objective of this study is to analyse the role of ODB in financing the small and medium scale industries with the aid of qualitative data. The study analyses the approved loans in region wise. To study the effectiveness of ODB in financing small and medium scale industries in sector wise. The study period is from 2006 to 2009. The analysis and findings of this study provide useful information for bankers, policy makers and to the customers who seek to start SMEs in Sultanate.