Many of the world's poorest people have turned to microcredit in an effort to lift themselves out of poverty. Microfinance involves giving small loans to those who don't normally qualify for traditional banking credit to encourage entrepreneurship.
For many people it's a lifeline, and often the only way to establish a business. But the project is not without its critics. Some argue that loan recipients can quickly sink into a cycle of debt, with many lenders charging exorbitant rates of interest.
To assess the arguments for and against, George Alagiah spoke to Alexia Latortue, Head of the Consultative Group to Assist the Poor, a microcredit group based at the World Bank.
GMT with George Alagiah is broadcast on weekdays at 1200 and 1230 GMT on BBC World News. Find out more information about regional broadcast times
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