"Four-in-One" Seminar Series

The four SMEs centres co-organise "Four-in-One" seminar series regularly.  Theme of this seminar series in the first half of 2023 is “Business Upgrading and Transformation”, with an aim to assisting enterprises to achieve business upgrade and transformation.  The SUCCESS of TID would organise a seminar under this seminar series on 9 March 2023.  Interested persons are welcome to register at the link below.  Admission is Free.

Proper Management of Intellectual Property for Upgrading and Transformation (Seminar)

(This seminar will be held by SUCCESS on 9 March 2023 at Trade and Industry Tower)

IP can be as valuable as tangible assets.  How can SMEs grasp the opportunities brought by IP to achieve upgrading and transformation?  In this seminar, an IP expert will explain the relationship between IP and business upgrading and transformation, including the role and significance of IP, ways of capitalising on IP to reflect brand values, as well as factors to consider before exploring new markets.  Expert will also share difficulties frequently encountered by enterprises when applying for IP registrations and answer questions in the Q&A session, with a view to assisting SMEs in building, managing and leveraging IP strategically for branding and upgrading.  (This seminar will be conducted in Cantonese.)

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SUCCESS-supported Activities

I. Explore the landscape of international economy and trade in 2023 on how exporters can grab development opportunities (Webinar)

(This webinar will be live-streamed on 16 March 2023)

This webinar is organised by the Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation (HKECIC).  SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations.  This webinar will introduce the landscape and outlook of international economy and trade in 2023, as well as HKECIC's services and supportive measures for Hong Kong exporters.  (This webinar will be conducted in Cantonese.)

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II. Office Cyber Security Risks and Security Strategies (Seminar)

(This seminar will be live-streamed and held at Pico Tower in hybrid mode on 17 March 2023)

This seminar is jointly organised by The Hong Kong Management Association and the Hong Kong Internet Registration Corporation Limited.  SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations.  In this seminar, system engineering and cyber security experts will share their insights on prevalent cyber threats, defrauding tricks and anti-scam tips, with a view to raising the cyber security awareness of SMEs.  (This seminar will be conducted in Cantonese.)

More Details (in Chinese only)

Government lifted all mandatory mask-wearing requirements

Having assessed the latest epidemic development, the Government announced on 28 February 2023 lifting all mandatory mask-wearing requirements with effect from 1 March 2023, thereby enabling the society to resume normalcy in full.

Hong Kong has already built up a strong immunity barrier, coupled with the enhancement of prevention and treatment capacities of the healthcare system and the handling capacity of society as a whole.  The risk posed by COVID-19 to local public health has apparently altered.  Having gone through three years of COVID-19 epidemic, various monitoring indicators in epidemic activities are recently on a steady downward trend and the winter influenza season is also coming to an end.  In addition, the community is in strong aspiration to resume full normalcy as early as possible.  In the light of the aforementioned factors, the Government has decided to lift all mask-wearing requirements with effect from 1 March 2023.

Starting from 1 March 2023, citizens are no longer required to wear masks mandatorily onboard a public transport carrier, or within an MTR paid area, or in a specified public place (including both indoor and outdoor areas), as well as in premises regulated under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Requirements and Directions) (Business and Premises) Regulation (Cap. 599F).

Mask-wearing is still an effective way to reduce the risk of virus transmission while protecting the wearer and others.  In order to continue to protect the high-risk groups, citizens entering certain venues such as medical facilities or residential care homes for the elderly (RCHEs) or residential care homes for persons with disabilities (RCHDs) still need to follow the administrative mask-wearing requirement.  The Government appealed to the public to wear a mask when having respiratory symptoms.  Persons with weakened immunity or chronic disease(s) should also wear a mask when they are present in a poorly ventilated place.

The Government will keep on monitoring closely the epidemic development and the overall operation of the public healthcare system, with a view to safeguarding public health.

Relevant notice was gazetted on 28 February 2023 to implement the aforementioned relaxation measure.

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202302/28/P2023022800677.htm.
 

New arrangements for nucleic acid testing service commenced

The Government reminded members of the public that the nucleic acid testing requirement for public hospitals, RCHEs and RCHDs has been replaced by rapid antigen tests (RATs) starting from 1 March 2023.  Following the complete lifting of compulsory nucleic acid testing requirements, free nucleic acid testing service in the community testing network ceased accordingly from 1 March 2023 onwards.  A total of 21 community testing centres and community testing stations (CTC/CTSs) are retained for provision of self-paid nucleic acid testing service to members of the public from 10am to 8pm daily (closed from 1:30pm to 2pm/2:30pm for deep cleaning and disinfection).

Starting from 1 March 2023, the nucleic acid testing requirement applicable to staff and visitors of public hospitals, RCHEs and RCHDs as well as residents of residential care homes (RCHs) has been changed to RATs.  Visitors of public hospitals and RCHs only need to undergo an RAT within 24 hours prior to their visit and obtain a negative result for entry.  Clinical staff of public hospitals as well as staff and residents of RCHs should continue to undergo an RAT once a day, with a view to maintaining protection for targeted groups and key premises.

To provide convenience to members of the public who need to undergo nucleic acid testing due to travelling or personal needs (such as certifications for work), 21 CTC/CTSs with higher usage (see Annex) remain in operation to offer self-paid nucleic acid testing service, whereas free nucleic acid testing service have been ceased.

Travellers in need may also choose to undergo self-paid testing at the rapid nucleic acid testing centre which operates 24 hours a day at Hong Kong International Airport.  Testing results will be available within two hours.

The Government will continue to maintain close communication with testing contractors and review the society's demand for nucleic acid tests.  The number and operation mode of testing facilities will be adjusted in a timely manner according to actual circumstances, such that the society will keep making steady strides along the path to normalcy.

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202302/27/P2023022700235.htm.
 

SME Financing Guarantee Scheme extends application period to end-March 2024

The Financial Secretary announced in the 2023-24 Budget an extension of the application period of the 80% Guarantee Product, the 90% Guarantee Product and the Special 100% Loan Guarantee of the SME Financing Guarantee Scheme (SFGS) from end-June 2023 to end-March 2024.

Enterprises wishing to apply for loans may approach the lending institutions.  Details are available on the SFGS webpage: https://www.hkmc.com.hk/eng/our_business/sme_financing_guarantee_scheme.html.  For public enquiries, please call the SFGS Hotline at 2536 0392.

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202302/22/P2023022200455.htm.
 

Adjustment to Value Bands of Ad Valorem Stamp Duty payable for sale and purchase or transfer of residential and non-residential properties (Scale 2 rates)

The 2023-24 Budget announced the adjustment of value bands of the Ad Valorem Stamp Duty (AVD) (Scale 2 rates) payable for sale and purchase or transfer of residential and non-residential properties, with a view to easing the burden on ordinary families of purchasing their first residential properties.  The adjustment have come into effect at 11am on 22 February 2023 (the Effective Date).

At present, AVD at Scale 2 rates is mainly applicable to acquisition of residential properties (subject to specific conditions) and acquisition of non-residential properties.  Only the acquisition of residential property by a Hong Kong permanent resident who is acting on his or her own behalf and is not a beneficial owner of any other residential property in Hong Kong at the time of acquisition is chargeable to AVD at Scale 2 rates.  The value bands on which the AVD Scale 2 rates apply have not been adjusted since 2010.  The value bands proposed in Budget is at Annex.

The aforementioned adjustment to the value bands of AVD (Scale 2 rates) will be implemented through the Stamp Duty (Amendment) Bill 2023 (the Bill).  The Chief Executive has made the Public Revenue Protection (Stamp Duty) Order 2023 (the Order) by exercising his statutory powers to give full force and effect of law to the Bill so long as the Order remains in force.  The Order and the Bill were published in the Gazette on 22 February 2023 and 3 March 2023 respectively, and will be introduced into LegCo on 15 March 2023.

Any instruments executed before 11am on the Effective Date remain chargeable to AVD at the original Scale 2 rates.

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202302/22/P2023022200749.htm.
 

CEDB and Qianhai Authority jointly promulgated 16 Co-operation Measures for the Development of the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Intellectual Property and Innovation Hub

To advance the development of intellectual property (IP) in Hong Kong and Shenzhen, foster cross-boundary IP and innovation, exchange and co-operation, and promote the development of Hong Kong into a regional IP trading centre, the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau (CEDB) and the Authority of Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone of Shenzhen Municipality (Qianhai Authority) jointly promulgated the 16 Co-operation Measures for the Development of the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Intellectual Property and Innovation Hub on 23 February 2023.

The 16 co-operation measures cover a wide range of areas, including co-operation in IP protection, exploitation and transformation, exchange and study, promotion and education, and IP trading.  Hong Kong has a robust IP protection regime, sound legal and judicial systems, sophisticated talents and networks in research and development (R&D) and quality professional services.  The 16 co-operation measures assist Hong Kong IP developers, enterprises and talents to develop their IP-related businesses in Qianhai and explore the business opportunities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).  On the other hand, the measures support the IP industries in Qianhai to leverage Hong Kong's unique advantages and platform to connect with the rest of the world for engaging in IP trading activities.  The 16 co-operation measures will help Hong Kong and Shenzhen jointly promote the development of IP and innovation, further capitalise on Hong Kong's competitive edge as a regional IP trading centre, promote the development of IP trading in the GBA and allow Hong Kong to better integrate into the national development.  The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has been adopting a multipronged approach to promote the development of IP trading, including to jointly study, examine and implement appropriate measures with the relevant Mainland authorities.

The CEDB and the Qianhai Authority will establish a mechanism for advancing IP co-operation.  A taskforce for advancing Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong IP co-operation will be set up by the Qianhai Authority, together with relevant members of the Joint Conference of Intellectual Property of Shenzhen Municipality, as well as the Intellectual Property Department (IPD) and the Customs and Excise Department of the HKSAR Government, and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council for advancing IP co-operation between the two places.  Major initiatives of the 16 co-operation measures include:

• support Hong Kong higher education institutions, R&D institutions and enterprises to establish operations in Qianhai, assist and facilitate them to commercialise their R&D achievements, explore the huge market in the GBA and beyond, and provide incentives for Hong Kong IP professionals to establish and develop their professional careers;
• support Qianhai technology transfer centres and the IP integrated operation services centre to set up branch offices in Hong Kong, and hence facilitating Mainland IP industries to integrate into Hong Kong's IP industry trading platform and ecosystem;
• support the establishment of a co-operation mechanism between the relevant arbitration bodies in Hong Kong and Shenzhen to further promote IP arbitration services;
• support the reciprocal setting up of enquiry points for IP matters in Hong Kong and Shenzhen by the IPD and the China (Shenzhen) Intellectual Property Protection Center, with a view to enhancing cross-boundary IP services; and
• encourage the creation, commercialisation and application of high-value patents; and support the organisation of more large-scale IP activities (such as exhibitions or forums) in Hong Kong and Shenzhen.

HKSAR Government welcomed promulgation of Opinion on Providing Financial Support for the Comprehensive Deepening Reform and Opening Up of the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone

The HKSAR Government welcomed the joint promulgation by the People's Bank of China, the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission, the China Securities Regulatory Commission, the State Administration of Foreign Exchange and the People's Government of Guangdong Province of the "Opinion on Providing Financial Support for the Comprehensive Deepening Reform and Opening Up of the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone" (the Opinion) on 23 February 2023, and expressed gratitude to the Central People's Government for the continuous support for Hong Kong's integration into the national development of the reform and opening up of the financial market.

The Opinion sets out 30 measures on financial reform and innovation, covering financial services relating to people's livelihood, mutual access between financial markets, development of modern financial services industry, facilitation of cross-boundary trade and financing, strengthening financial regulatory co-operation, etc.

Full text of the Opinion is available (in Chinese only) at the following link: http://www.pbc.gov.cn/zhengwugongkai/4081330/4406346/4693549/4802394/index.html.

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202302/23/P2023022300609.htm.
 

Gazettal of Rating (Exemption) Order 2023

The Rating (Exemption) Order 2023 was gazetted on 3 March 2023.  The order seeks to implement one-off rates concessions proposed in the 2023-24 Budget to strengthen the economic recovery momentum.

The Budget has proposed to waive rates for the first two quarters of 2023-24, with the concession ceiling of $1,000 per tenement per quarter.  The proposed rates concession will benefit about 3.46 million properties, leading to revenue forgone of about $6 billion.

The order will be tabled at the Legislative Council for negative vetting on 15 March 2023.

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202303/01/P2023030100293.htm.
 

Gazettal of Inland Revenue (Amendment) (Child Allowance and Tax Concessions) Bill 2023

The Inland Revenue (Amendment) (Child Allowance and Tax Concessions) Bill 2023 was gazetted on 3 March 2023.  The Bill seeks to implement tax concessions and increase of child allowance proposed in the 2023-24 Budget.

The Budget has proposed one-off reductions of salaries tax, tax under personal assessment and profits tax for the year of assessment 2022/23 by 100 per cent, subject to a ceiling of $6,000 per case.  The reductions will be reflected in taxpayers' final tax payable for the year of assessment 2022/23.  The proposals will benefit 1.9 million taxpayers of salaries tax and tax under personal assessment as well as 133 500 tax-paying businesses.  The total government revenue forgone in 2023-24 will amount to $9.2 billion.

To alleviate the financial burden of taxpayers from raising children, the Budget has also proposed increasing the basic child allowance and the additional child allowance for each child born during the year of assessment from $120,000 to $130,000 starting from the year of assessment 2023/24.  Around 324 000 taxpayers will benefit from the proposal, with estimated revenue forgone at $610 million per year.

The Bill will be introduced into the Legislative Council on 15 March 2023.

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202303/01/P2023030100281.htm.