Regarding the development of rural areas, the EDD is a national department and does not interact extensively and directly with communities. Much of EDD's work is done with other government departments through which direct communications take place. The EDD ensures that the appropriate levels of interaction, co-ordination and implementation take place. For issues relating to provinces the EDD use the MINMEC and its technical forums. SMME and micro funding support is provided through sefa via its national and regional offices as well as through retail financial intermediaries. It is the intention of sefa to roll out an average of nine (9) branch offices per annum over the next five (5) years. Industrial lending is provided via the IDC and its regional offices to industry and the business community.