---
title: "Hong Kong throws SMEs lifeline with raft of measures, HK$450 billion in loans"
type: "News"
locale: "en"
url: "https://longbridge.com/en/news/284559984.md"
description: "Hong Kong has introduced a new support package for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) affected by the global fuel crisis and geopolitical tensions, increasing available bank lending by 21% to HK$450 billion (US$78.43 billion). The measures aim to enhance financing access, strengthen business resilience, and facilitate transformation. Key initiatives include flexible repayment options, loan tenor extensions, and expedited approvals under the SME Financing Guarantee Scheme. Since 2024, these measures have benefited over 89,000 SMEs, with a total credit limit exceeding HK$209 billion. SMEs represent 98% of Hong Kong's enterprises, employing 43% of the workforce."
datetime: "2026-04-29T11:31:11.000Z"
locales:
  - [zh-CN](https://longbridge.com/zh-CN/news/284559984.md)
  - [en](https://longbridge.com/en/news/284559984.md)
  - [zh-HK](https://longbridge.com/zh-HK/news/284559984.md)
---

# Hong Kong throws SMEs lifeline with raft of measures, HK$450 billion in loans

Hong Kong authorities have rolled out a fresh package of measures to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) reeling from the global fuel crisis and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, including a 21 per cent increase in available bank lending to HK$450 billion (US$78.43 billion). The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), the city’s de facto central bank, on Wednesday said the measures for the SMEs were designed to improve access to financing, strengthen their business resilience, and accelerate their upgrade and transformation amid mounting operational challenges linked to the Middle East conflict. The Task Force on SME Lending, comprising the HKMA and the Hong Kong Association of Banks, has expanded the size of dedicated funds set aside in its loan portfolio for SMEs from HK$370 billion in October 2024 to more than HK$450 billion, representing a 21 per cent increase. SMEs affected by the oil price fluctuations, such as those in transport and logistics, manufacturing, and import and export sectors, would receive “accommodative” treatment in credit relief. The measures included flexible repayment arrangements, loan tenor extensions, and more options for trade facility extensions to alleviate their cash flow pressure. Participating banks and HKMC Insurance also promised to expedite approvals under the SME Financing Guarantee Scheme, with applicants to be notified of outcomes within 30 business days. The banks will also offer customised loan arrangements to provide the financial flexibility needed in expansion and digital, intelligent and green transformation. “Since 2024, the HKMA and the banking sector have launched three rounds of SME support measures to assist SMEs in different industries to cope with uncertainties surrounding the external environment and challenges arising from economic transformation. To date, these support measures have benefited SMEs in over 89,000 cases, involving an aggregate credit limit of more than HK$209 billion,” the task force said in a statement. Hong Kong had 355,425 SMEs as of December last year, accounting for 98 per cent of all enterprises and employing nearly 1.2 million people, or 43 per cent of the workforce.

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