Dutch Crown Princess Máxima held talks with Mexican President Felipe Calderón on Thursday on the benefits of microfinance. She was representing the United Nations during a two-day visit to Mexico.

During the meeting, also attended by Finance Minister Ernesto Cordero, Princess Máxima appealed for more extensive availability of microfinance for people on lower incomes. Microfinance contributes to economic growth and facilitates a greater distribution of economic wealth, she said.

On Wednesday, she had discussions with bankers and financial institutions that grant microfinance loans.

The princess is married to Dutch Crown Prince Willem-Alexander and advises UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on matters related to microfinance.

(jn/mw)

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