Tag: smes

A study has revealed settlement delays, disproportionate fees, and fragmented regulations are stifling SME growth across Asean despite their central role in trade.

Surveys show Hong Kong's SMEs facing rising costs, late payments, a tight credit stance from banks, and tariffs, despite an overall economic recovery in the SAR; bad weather has also been an issue this summer.

Malaysia's prime minister Anwar Ibrahim believes the country's initial GDP forecast for 2025 is unlikely to be met.

The Hong Kong government is supporting exporters with insurance and cash flow needs, with Donald Trump now, temporarily, exempting electronics from tariffs imposed on China and Hong Kong.

HK's financial secretary is injecting HK$1.5bn into a scheme that helps Hong Kong businesses expand into mainland China, as Paul Chan predicts 2% to 3% GDP growth this year.

The Singapore-headquartered loan platform Lendela, which works with multiple banks and uses a 'reverse auction model', sees growth in markets with a “high level of maturity".

As operational costs remain high, businesses are looking for funding relief from the SAR's upcoming budget, according to DBS; meanwhile, some firms are looking to expand abroad into Asia and the Middle East.

The 2025 Budget is bringing tax cuts, support for households, tax incentives for equities, more climate measures and support for AI; Singapore saw 4.4% GDP growth in 2024.

The SAR's chief executive announced policy support for SMEs, faster payments between HK and mainland China, companies re-domiciling, tourism, the property market, liquor and more.

After a meeting on September 5, banks have made a number of pledges around lending, mortgage approvals and SME seminars over the next two months to help with productivity.

A host of firms are testing across liquidity management; green and sustainable finance; trade and supply chain finance; and fixed income and investment funds. The HKMA has also launched a SME task force and connected to the Companies Registry.

The HKMA is setting up a SME task force as companies look overseas and want to improve their financial management tools as a strong HKD persists.