Raiffeisen bank says it plans to keep lending at previous levels in central and Eastern Europe this year.

The bank, which only carries out business in the region, says it won't change its plans despite having to triple provisions for bad loans.

Offcials say they expect lending in 2009 to be at the same levels as in 2008
Loans and advances to customers increased 19 percent to 57.9 billion euros ($78.6 billion) in 2008, the company said in a statement.

"After strong growth in lending to customers over the last several years, Raiffeisen International's focus this year will be on enhancing its active credit portfolio and risk management," the bank said.