**Hong Kong Throws SMEs $78 Billion Lifeline as Fuel Crisis Bites**

Hong Kong’s central bank has announced a major rescue package for small businesses, raising available bank loans by 21 per cent to HK$450 billion (US$78.43 billion). The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) said on Wednesday that the new measures aim to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) struggling with the global fuel crisis and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The package is designed to improve access to financing and strengthen business resilience. SMEs are critical to Hong Kong’s economy, employing most of the city’s workforce.