BERLIN, July 8 (Xinhua) -- The German government launched an online platform for the distribution of interim aid during the COVID-19 pandemic for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) on Wednesday.

SMEs in Germany which had to halt or significantly reduce their business operations in the wake of the pandemic could "now receive further liquidity support," according to the Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. Payments to companies could start as early as July.

The German government announced to make up to 25 billion euros (28 billion U.S. dollars) available for this purpose. The bridging aid is part of the government's economic stimulus package which also includes a temporary reduction in value-added tax (VAT) in Germany.

"With the interim aid, we are providing target-oriented help to those industry sectors that are particularly affected by the measures to combat the pandemic," said Minister for Economic Affairs Peter Altmaier.

The government would provide the grants towards fixed costs up to a maximum of 150,000 euros. Altmaier stressed that the interim grants "do not have to be repaid." Enditem

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