The Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) disbursed MOP4.1 million (US$513,240) to support 510 SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) in the city from January to October this year, the President of Administrative Committee of IPIM, Lourenço Cheong Chou Weng, said during TDM radio programme ‘Macao Forum’ last Friday.
Mr. Cheong indicated that the funding seeks to support SMEs to expand their businesses in the city as well as in other regions.
Tai Kin Ip, Director Macao Economic Services (DSE), also attended the radio programme, saying that more than 9,600 local firms had applied for the SME Aid Scheme, of which 8,600 applicants had been approved.
The DSE director added that the bureau has distributed some MOP2.4 billion through the scheme so far, of which MOP1.2 billion has been repaid by local SMEs.
Mr. Tai noted that cases of incomplete payment are rare, which only affects three per cent of the total number of beneficiaries.
The official pointed out that the amount of loans approved for SMEs is based upon the scale, type of product and other consideration factors of their business. He added that local companies are welcome to provide further information for re-evaluation if they are dissatisfied with the amount approved.
E-commerce
Mr. Tai indicated that the city currently has six local e-commerce platforms, involving online sales, insurance services and other services. In addition, DSE is to launch free WIFI service in 12 areas of two major streets located in the southern and central districts.
With the promotional event ‘1212 Blue Street’ to kick off soon, some audiences of the radio show questioned whether the event merely seeks to benefit certain e-commerce companies. The official, however, stressed that the event is only part of the vast range of e-commerce [options], adding that the MSAR Government has already approved the licences of two e-commerce operators.
The economic bureau also offers assistance to local SMEs to utilise different types of e-payment service.
