Egypt to provide $6 billion in loan guarantees to help business

Egypt@@@s central bank will provide up to 100 billion Egyptian pounds ($6.36 billion) in loan guarantees to banks to encourage lending to businesses during the coronavirus crisis, the state news agency quoted the bank@@@s governor as saying on Tuesday.Central bank governor, Tarek Amer, told the agency: The decision comes during "increased business risks in the market, especially with regards to companies and finance."

The loans will carry an interest rate of 8%, well below the central bank@@@s key overnight lending rate of 10.25%.

The coronavirus pandemic has wreaked havoc on Egypt@@@s economy, particularly with the virtual shutdown since March of the country@@@s tourism industry, which represents about 5% of gross domestic product, and the closure of restaurants and cafes.

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