Untied loans are loans not conditional on procurement of equipment and materials from Japan. These loans finance projects and programs primarily in developing countries; the imports they need; and their efforts to achieve balance-of-payments equilibrium or stabilize currencies. Specific projects and programs supported by untied loans are those conducive to (1) sustaining and expanding trade and direct investment from Japan; (2) helping secure access to stable supplies of energy and mineral resources; (3) promoting Japanese business activities; and (4) maintaining international financial order.