Economy Minister Valjon Saraqini urged Sunday businessmen to apply for loans with a subsidized interest rate from Macedonian Bank for Development Promotion (MBDP).

Even when commercial banks are facing crisis in crediting, the Government supports and helps small and medium-sized enterprises with loans with subsidized interest rates through the Macedonian Bank for Development Promotion, Saraqini said after visiting New Star Hotel in Vizbegovo industrial zone.

He said that according to the latest data, the companies thus far used EUR 61 million from the last credit line from the European Investment Bank (EIB) out of EUR 100 million by which more than 200 projects are credited.

New 1.300 jobs will be opened with the realisation of the entire amount of EUR 100 million. The fixed interest rate of 5.5% p.a. is the reason for interest of the credit lines, Minister said.

A loan of EUR 200.000 was used for New Star Hotel. This amount, besides the realized investments, also enabled opening of new 20 jobs, Saraqini said.

Saraqini urged companies to submit a loan application to the MBDP, since the approval of the loan lasts no longer than 45 to 60 days.