Request for Smoother Financing to SMEs and Small Enterprises Made

December 16, 2020

On November 30, 2020, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) requested the following organizations to improve the facilitation of financing for SMEs and small enterprises at the end of 2020, taking into consideration that some businesses are still facing serious difficulties in funding due to the impacts of the novel coronavirus disease, and that demand for working capital and other funds is expected to grow during the period from the end of 2020 to the end of FY2020. Details of the request are as follows.

On November 30, 2020, the government of Japan held a “Meeting for Exchanging Views on Smooth Financing for SMEs and Other Businesses,” bringing together representatives of private financial organizations and governmental financial organizations, as well as Mr. Kajiyama Hiroshi, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Mr. Aso Taro, Minister of Finance, and other officials. On the same date, the Small and Medium Enterprise Agency, the Ministry of Finance and other organizations requested governmental financial organizations and other financial institutes to further enhance the provision of: meticulous services tailored to the current conditions of businesses, flexible services to meet changes in terms and conditions and other elements, and other support measures for businesses, including resumption of business operation, concerning funding for such businesses at the end of 2020.