Small-and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) affected by the recent typhoon could apply for interest-free loans of up to 300,000 patacas next week, the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Francis Tam Pak Yuen, said today.

Mr Tam disclosed this when he met the press after discussing the effect of Typhoon Hagupit to Macao's businesses with representatives of the Macao Union General of Community Association.

Mr Tam said that the Government was concerned about the operation of SMEs, which suffered losses when the typhoon struck Macao a few days ago.

The board of Industrial and Commercial Development Fund would hold a meeting on Monday and would begin to process loans application on the next day, said Mr Tam.

He said that affected businesses only had to provide information of their business registration, losses suffered and usage of loans when applying for loans.

Staff of Macao Economic Services will meet with affected business owners and help them apply.

Mr Tam also disclosed that Macao Chamber of Commerce had also asked the Government to help SMEs.

Mr Tam cut short his trip to Nanning in Guangxi Province to devise measures to help residents and businesses affected by the typhoon.