Secretary for Economy and Finance Lei Wai Long announced during yesterday evening’s COVID-19 press conference that the local government will roll out a string of new financial support measures for residents and businesses involving 10 billion patacas in the wake of the weekend’s “sudden occurrence” of a new local COVID-19 wave.
According to Lei, the new measures will require amendments to the government’s budget for this year, because of which the government will have to submit another budget amendment bill to the Legislative Assembly (AL) in order for the measures to get off the ground – provided that the bill is passed by lawmakers.
The measures will include: housing tax rebate for commercial and industrial premises, an exemption from payment of tourism tax, a fuel subsidy for the taxi sector, a new round of subsidies for employees, self-employed and businesses, and an interest subsidy for bank loans offered to businesses.
Lei also said that Macau’s casinos would remain open during the current outbreak.
Meanwhile, Lei also said that for the time being a plenary session of the legislature slated for tomorrow for the final debate and vote of the gaming amendment bill will be held as scheduled.
Secretary for Economy and Finance Lei Wai Nong addresses yesterday’s press conference about the city’s ongoing COVID-19 outbreak. Photo: GCS
