The ambassador of Paraguay sent out a message encouraging Indian small businesses to explore opportunities in Paraguay. With the signing of the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) newer markets have opened up for both countries and their businesses, Ambassador Genaro Vicente Pappalardo told the SME Times.

Indian public sector banks will lend over Rs 13,000 in small business loans from January to March at rates under 10 percent. The government announced the new initiative as part of the country’s second ‘stimulus package.’

Additionally, the Reserve Bank of India will extend a Rs 7,000 crore line of credit to SIDBI (Small Industries Development Bank of India) before March 31 to provide loans to Indian small businesses. Out of the Rs 7,000 crore, about Rs 6,500 crore will be lent to public sector banks at a rate of 6.5 per cent. The rest of the funds will go to State Finance Corporations.