On 13 February, Secretary for Economy and Finance Lei Wai Nong announced a raft of financial support measures with the aim of relieving the heavy burden on residents and businesses amid the “huge” impact on the local economy due to the epidemic.
The government will launch a “Special” Interest-free Loan Scheme for Local SMEs which have been operating for less than two years, with a maximum amount of 600,000 patacas. The beneficiaries can return the loan within up to eight years.
Meanwhile, SME’s who have been in operation for at least a year can request a credit guarantee covering up to 70 per cent of a bank loan up to MOP4.9 million, to be repaid within eight years