RIYADH, 1 November 2005 — The value of standing loans by specialized loan institutions had decreased by 7 percent at the end of 2004 to reach SR142.47 billion compared to SR153.37 billion in 2003, reported Al-Watan newspaper. According to statistics released by these institutions — which include Saudi Agriculture Bank, Saudi Credit Bank, General Investment Fund, Saudi Industrial Development Fund and Real Estate Development Fund — there was an increase in payments of loans last year that reach SR16.23 billion.