Nearly 1,700 SME subsidy applications approved, involving MOP 460 million

[Photo: Renato Marques]

The 2025 small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) loan interest subsidy programme has approved nearly 1,700 applications, according to the Economic and Technological Development Bureau.

As of last month, 1,682 applications had been approved, accounting for more than 93% of the 1,804 applications received. The approved loans totalled about MOP3.8 billion, with interest subsidies reaching approximately MOP460 million.

Under the programme, eligible business owners can obtain loans of up to MOP5 million, with a three-year interest subsidy covering 4 percentage points. The total loan quota for the scheme is capped at MOP10 billion.

The application period will close on April 22 this year. Authorities said they will continue working closely with the banking sector to accelerate approval procedures and assess the programme’s effectiveness. The government will also study the feasibility of extending the application deadline if necessary.

In addition to financial assistance, regulators have encouraged banks to offer flexible debt arrangements under prudent risk management principles. Options may include interest-only payments with temporary suspension of principal repayment, extended loan tenors, adjusted repayment schedules, or debt restructuring to help businesses manage cash flow pressures.

To stimulate consumption, the government also launched community shopping campaigns in 2025

More than 500 restaurants participated in the “Celebration of the Return of Macau” dining discount campaign held from December 20 to 22 last year. The three-day event offered 30% dining discounts, with total promotional value reaching MOP8.27 million, shared equally by the government and merchants. Related spending generated more than MOP30 million in business turnover. Times Reporter