The Economic and Technological Development Bureau (DSEDT) said in a statement that three of its support plans for small-and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) were launched yesterday, adding that it had already received 75 applications on the first day.
The statement noted that there was one application for the government’s interest subsidy, eight loan applications and 66 applications for loan repayment extension. According to the statement, one of the applicants said that the government launched the support scheme “just in time” to help alleviate his or her financial pressure.
The statement pointed out that the government decided to relax its “SME support measure” requirements for businesses that have been open for one year only, instead of the two years originally required. The statement noted that the application period will run for 12 months and applicants can ask for an interest-free loan of up to 600,000 patacas with a payback period as long as eight years. The other measure is subsidising SMEs’ bank loan interest payments, which aim to help the businesses by paying up to four percent of the interest on a bank loan. The third measure is extending its application period for another year, from its previous deadline on January 31, 2022 to January 31, 2023.
The bureau said that for those who are in urgent need of government’s support can call the bureau on 2888 2088 during office hours, send an email to smes.info@dsedt.gov.mo, or contact it via WeChat at “DSEDTONLINE” for more information.
This handout photo provided by the Economic and Technological Development Bureau (DSEDT) yesterday shows an applicant being assisted by two DSEDT officials.
