The Support and Consultation Centre for SMEs (SUCCESS) is an information and advisory centre for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) run by the Trade and Industry Department (TID).  If you are looking for free business information and practical consultation services, please visit SUCCESS.  The counter service of SUCCESS has been resumed.  Meanwhile, webinars, Customer Hotline (Tel.: (852) 2398 5133) and Email Enquiry (success@tid.gov.hk) continue to be operated as usual. 

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HKECIC 100% Credit Limit Top-Up Scheme and other special supportive measures further extended to 30 June 2023

Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation (HKECIC) further extended the validity period of the 100% Credit Limit Top-Up Scheme and other special supportive measures for six months to 30 June 2023. The extension aims to support Hong Kong exporters to continue exploring new business opportunities and tide over various challenges brought about by the volatile trading environment and weakened global demand, as well as to alleviate trade risk and reduce operating cost for the trade.

HKECIC launched the Scheme in June 2020 to support the export sector in the face of accelerating credit risks and to seize business opportunities. Under the Scheme, HKECIC increases the credit limit of each buyer by 100%, or up to the amount applied for by the policyholders, whichever is smaller, subject to a cap of HK$100 million. The Scheme covers all HKECIC’s insured markets and no separate application from the policyholders is required.

Since June 2018, in response to the Mainland China-US trade conflict and the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, HKECIC has rolled out a series of special supportive measures to assist exporters in exploring export trade markets with confidence. These measures include waiver of annual policy fee, across-the-board payment term to 120 days, additional free credit check facility, etc.

For details, please visit HKECIC’s website (https://www.hkecic.com/en/) and relevant press release (https://www.hkecic.com/cms/sites/default/files/announcements/2022-12/Press%20release_HKECIC%20Extends%20Supportive%20Measures%20to%20end%20June%202023.pdf). For enquiries, please call HKECIC’s hotline at 2732 9933.
 

Enhancement measures to the Technology Talent Admission Scheme launched

The Innovation and Technology Commission launched on 28 December 2022 enhancement measures to the Technology Talent Admission Scheme (TechTAS) as announced in "The Chief Executive's 2022 Policy Address", with a view to expediting the admission of innovation and technology (I&T) talent from around the world to undertake research and development (R&D) work in Hong Kong, and charting Hong Kong to move towards the vision of becoming an international I&T centre.

The enhanced TechTAS lifts the local employment requirement, extends the quota validity period to two years and expands the coverage to more emerging technology areas. New technology areas can also be added as and when considered necessary by the Commissioner for Innovation and Technology to fit in with the I&T development in Hong Kong.

The enhancements of the TechTAS further increase the attractiveness and flexibility of the scheme so that eligible companies, which conduct research and development activities in 14 technology areas in Hong Kong, i.e. advanced communication technologies, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, cybersecurity, data analytics, digital entertainment, financial technologies, green technology, integrated circuit design, Internet-of-Things, material science, microelectronics, quantum technology and robotics, can benefit from the certainty and streamlined procedures offered by the scheme, thereby contributing to Hong Kong's economic growth and competitiveness.

Launched in June 2018, the TechTAS provides a fast-track arrangement for admitting overseas and Mainland technology talent. Successful companies will be given quotas for bringing in such people for undertaking R&D work. Online applications can be made on the TechTAS website (https://www.itc.gov.hk/en/fund_app/techtas/index.html). For enquiries, please contact the TechTAS Team at the Innovation and Technology Commission (Tel: 3855 7600; email: techtas@itc.gov.hk).

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202212/28/P2022122800250.htm.
 

Talents Service Unit online platform commenced operation, Top Talent Pass Scheme open for application

The Government launched the online platform of the Talents Service Unit (TSU) (https://www.hkengage.gov.hk/en/) on 28 December 2022 to attract talents from all over the world more proactively and aggressively. The online platform enables them to obtain information on the various talent admission schemes and submit applications more easily. The various talent admission schemes announced in the 2022 Policy Address, including the newly introduced Top Talent Pass Scheme, are open for application from 28 December 2022.

The TSU online platform provides one-stop electronic services for talents from around the world. After entering the landing page, users can browse all kinds of practical information, including Hong Kong's advantages and development opportunities, details of the various talent admission schemes, as well as information on the necessities of living in Hong Kong. Potential applicants can use the online platform's Talent Admission Scheme Matching Tool to find out the schemes they are eligible for, and then immediately proceed to the Immigration Department's "e-Visa" platform connected by the TSU online platform to submit applications online; to the convenience of talents located outside Hong Kong, the subsequent payment and visa collection procedures can also take place online.

Besides, the TSU online platform receives enquiries by talents from all over the world and provides contact information on the Dedicated Teams for Attracting Businesses and Talents set up under the Government's respective Mainland and overseas offices. The Dedicated Teams will leverage the liaison networks of their affiliated offices in reaching out to potential talents proactively and promote the various talent admission schemes.

In addition to launching the online platform, the Government is making preparations at full steam to set up a physical entity for the TSU. The entity will be dedicated to formulating talent recruitment strategies and publicity, and providing more support services for talents arriving in Hong Kong. The Government will apply to the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council in early 2023 for the necessary resources.

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202212/28/P2022122700641.htm.
 

Subsidy Scheme for Using Hotels and Guesthouses as Youth Hostels open for application

The Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) announced on 6 January 2023 that the Subsidy Scheme for Using Hotels and Guesthouses as Youth Hostels under the Youth Hostel Scheme is open for application.

To help meet the housing needs of young people and facilitate their development, the Chief Executive announced in the 2022 Policy Address that the Government would explore ways to increase the supply of youth hostels, including subsidising non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to rent suitable hotels and guesthouses for use as youth hostels, with the target of providing about 3 000 additional hostel places within five years. In mid-December 2022, the Legislative Council Finance Committee approved the funding for implementing the Subsidy Scheme.

The Subsidy Scheme will provide subsidies for NGOs to rent rooms of hotels or guesthouses, carry out minor improvement/furnishing or purchase equipment as necessary for the daily use of youth tenants. The scope of the subsidy also covers NGOs' administrative expenses, as well as the expenses for providing value-added and community services to tenants and the community, etc. The subsidy to be allocated to each approved project will depend on the merits of the proposal submitted by the project applicant and a number of individual factors, including but not limited to the location of the hotel or guesthouse, the room size(s), provision of communal facilities and accessibility, etc. The relevant factors are set out in the Subsidy Scheme's guidelines to application.

Hotels and guesthouses that are interested in participating in the Subsidy Scheme can register with the HYAB. During its processing of the applications, the HYAB will provide assistance together with relevant departments including the Planning Department and the Home Affairs Department. The HYAB will compile a list of eligible participating hotels and guesthouses subject to a checking of their basic qualifications for NGOs' consideration. Meanwhile, interested NGOs can also identify suitable hotels and guesthouses as partners. NGOs should enter into Memoranda of Understanding with the hotels or guesthouses after they have reached a consensus, and then submit their funding applications to the HYAB.

The Subsidy Scheme is open for application all year round, subject to the availability of funds under the Subsidy Scheme. Details about the Subsidy Scheme, including the guidelines to application and the application forms, have been uploaded onto the HYAB's website (https://www.hyab.gov.hk/en/policy_responsibilities/Social_Harmony_and_Civic_Education/youth_hostel_scheme.htm). Relevant organisations can submit their applications to the HYAB by post, email or other means.

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202301/06/P2023010600563.htm.
 

Free-flow tolling service HKeToll gradually implemented at all government tolled tunnels

The Transport Department (TD) said on 6 January 2023 that as one of the smart mobility initiatives, HKeToll, a free-flow tolling service, will be gradually implemented at all government tolled tunnels this year to replace the manual and automatic toll booths. Motorists can pay tunnel tolls with ease using toll tags, without having to stop or queue at toll booths for payments, thereby saving time and enjoying convenience.

HKeToll makes use of the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, with the support of the Automatic Number Plate Recognition technology, to allow vehicles to pay tolls without stopping at toll booths. The use of a tolled tunnel by a motor vehicle will be detected by the field equipment of the system through reading a toll tag affixed on the windscreen of the vehicle or by capturing the image of the vehicle's number plate, and recognising the vehicle registration mark automatically. Tunnel tolls will be deducted from the pre-set toll payment accounts in the system, and users will be notified.

HKeToll has the following four major advantages:

1. No stopping or queuing for paying tolls when crossing tunnels, enabling smoother driving;
2. HKeToll supports multiple payment methods, bringing convenience to motorists;
3. No lane changing when crossing tunnels, enhancing road safety; and
4. No monthly fees for using HKeToll, and the TD will provide the first vehicle tag for every licensed vehicle free of charge.

For registered vehicle owners who have already applied for a vehicle tag when submitting their vehicle license-related applications earlier, the TD has started to issue the vehicle tag to them by post. Those who have yet to apply may submit their tag applications via HKeToll's webpage (hketoll.gov.hk) or mobile app. In addition to vehicle tag, to suit individual motorists' needs, the TD will also provide class tag which only distinguishes among vehicle classes. Motorists need to purchase class tags at designated outlets.

Information has been uploaded onto HKeToll's webpage to introduce how to apply for and install vehicle tag, how to set up HKeToll account and link up with automatic payment methods, so that motorists can learn more about and familiarise themselves with paying tunnel tolls remotely through HKeToll. The toll service provider engaged by the TD has set up a customer service hotline 3853 7333 to answer public enquiries from 9am to 9pm daily. A total of eight customer service centres and service outlets (Annex) across Hong Kong also commenced operation from 7 January.

HKeToll will first be implemented in Tsing Sha Control Area in February. The TD holds the Transport Trade Pilot Scheme from 9 to 20 January and invite stakeholders of the transport trade to join the trial use of HKeToll to collect users' opinions on the entire application process, user interface, etc. Further fine-tuning and optimisation will be made to better cater for motorists' needs.

The TD is continuing its efforts in various preparation works, and will announce the exact implementation date of HKeToll in the Tsing Sha Control Area in due course. After the launch of HKeToll in the Tsing Sha Control Area, it will be gradually implemented at other government tolled tunnels this year. The TD appeals to motorists to apply for the vehicle tag to enjoy the benefits of smart mobility.

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202301/06/P2023010600253.htm.
 

Common Spatial Data Infrastructure portal and first 3D digital map open for use

The Development Bureau and the Lands Department (LandsD) launched the Common Spatial Data Infrastructure (CSDI) portal (https://portal.csdi.gov.hk/csdi-webpage/) and the first 3D Visualisation Map dataset for the public to use free of charge on 29 December 2022.

The CSDI is a key initiative under the Smart City Blueprint (Annex) for Hong Kong. It provides a map-based digital infrastructure as a one-stop platform to open and share the Government's spatial data. By allowing members of the public to search, view and download various kinds of spatial data from the portal, a wide range of possibilities for application development will be opened, the digital economy boosted and quality of life improved.

Over 500 spatial datasets from various government departments will be made available through the portal, covering different aspects such as planning, lands, buildings, works, population, transport, etc. Framework Spatial Data Themes, such as "Building", "Land Parcel" and "Address", are also available on the portal to provide location references for other datasets.

Also released to the public via the portal from 29 December 2022 is the first 3D Visualisation Map dataset developed by the LandsD. The dataset covering the Kowloon East region comprises individualised models of about 6 500 buildings and about 420 infrastructures including flyovers, footbridges and subways. The release of the 3D digital map signifies that map production in Hong Kong has risen from 2D digital maps to a new level.

The 3D digital map can support a wide range of functions including urban planning, land management, project development, environmental studies, traffic studies, landscape design, as well as other technical assessments. It also promotes the development of various applications and enables users' better grasp of the spatial information of a specific location. The LandsD will continue to press ahead with the development of 3D digital maps for other regions and release them for public use upon completion.

The Government will keep the measures under review and strive to share more spatial data to suit the needs of the community. For latest information of the CSDI, please visit the thematic website (https://www.csdi.gov.hk/).

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202212/29/P2022122900531.htm.

 

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