Loans from the VBSP are subsidised with low interest rates (ranging from 0.0-0.8% per month) and are generally for small amounts. Prior to the establishment of VBSP, these activities were provided by the Viet Nam Bank for the Poor (VBP), which operated through VBARD. Subsequent to the establishment of the VBSP, the provision of preferential credit has been completely removed from VBARD’s remit.