Support and Consultation Centre for SMEs
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SUCCESS
E-newsletter
3 May 2023

What's New
Topical Issues
Business News

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 contact SUCCESS.

Our website: https://www.success.tid.gov.hk/en_landing.html
Our email: success@tid.gov.hk
Our customer hotline:(852)2398 5133
(Service hours of hotline and counters: Monday to Friday 8:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. & 1:30 p.m.-5:45 p.m., other than public holidays)

More Details

"Four-in-One" Integrated Services of SMEs Centres

To strengthen support for SMEs and to raise SMEs' awareness of the various funding schemes and support services, the TID consolidated the services of the existing four SMEs centres, namely, the "SUCCESS" under the TID, the "SME Centre" under the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the "SME One" under the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) and the "TecONE" under the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), in October 2019 to provide one-stop "Four-in-One" integrated services for SMEs.  Enterprises can obtain business information, funding schemes information and advisory services, etc. at any of the Centres.  In addition, a web portal called "SME Link" is also established for SMEs to access comprehensive information and support services from a single online platform.

"Government Funding Schemes" of the SME Link

The "Government Funding Schemes" web page of the SME Link features information on each funding scheme, including overview and useful hyperlinks.  The web page's search tool supports multiple search filters to facilitate enterprises identifying suitable funding schemes.

Events & Activities of the SME Link

The "Events & Activities" of the SME Link facilitates enterprises to obtain information on activities organised by the four SMEs centres and various Government departments, including seminars, workshops, exhibitions, conferences, training courses, etc., from a single platform, and also provides relevant links to facilitate registration.

 

What's New

SUCCESS Activities

Practical Guide to Intellectual Property Management (Seminar)

(This seminar will be held by SUCCESS on 10 May 2023 at Trade and Industry Tower)

Being an intangible asset, Intellectual Property (IP) can be riskier than other types of assets in terms of management.  In this seminar, an IP expert will answer questions related to trade marks and copyright through case studies, covering trade mark registration, licensing, infringement handling, copyright management and evidence, and share views on patented technologies protection and portfolio planning, as well as the copyright ownership of employee works, with a view to assisting SMEs in managing IP properly.  (This seminar will be conducted in Cantonese.)

More Details
 

SUCCESS-supported Activities

I. Adapting to the Changing Global Trade Landscape: Opportunities and Challenges for Exporters (Webinar)

(This webinar will be live-streamed on 4 May 2023)

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

More Details

II. SME LevelUp Workshops - GBA Bible for Entrepreneurs: Grab the Market Fast Step by Step (Webinar)

(This webinar will be live-streamed on 9 and 25 May 2023)

This webinar is organised by the HKPC.  SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations.  This webinar will share the Mainland market trends, preparation for starting up in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), effective brand building, and how to identify new business opportunities.  (This webinar will be conducted in Cantonese.)

More Details

III. How to Apply Data to Manage Human Resources in a Qualitative Way? (Course)

(This course will be held at the HKPC Building on 13 and 14 May 2023)

This course is offered by the HKPC.  SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations.  This course aims to equip human resources practitioners with the knowledge and practical skills in data analytics to formulate data-driven human resources strategies and decisions.  (Admission fee is required.  This course will be conducted in Cantonese.)

More Details
 

Copyright (Amendment) Ordinance 2022 come into effect from 1 May 2023

The Copyright (Amendment) Ordinance 2022 updates the Copyright Ordinance (Cap. 528) to strengthen copyright protection in the digital environment, including introducing:

  • an exclusive technology-neutral communication right for copyright owners and criminal sanctions against infringements of the concerned new right
  • several new and expanded copyright exceptions to maintain an appropriate balance between copyright protection and reasonable use of copyright works
  • a "safe harbour regime" for incentivising online service providers to co-operate with copyright owners in combating online piracy

Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund opens for applications

The Mega Arts and Cultural Events (ACE) Fund is open for applications starting from 19 April 2023.

The Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB) launched the Pilot Scheme for the Mega ACE Fund at end 2022 to accept applications for mega arts and cultural events to be held in 2023 while the Mega ACE Committee was being set up.  Among the approved events, Art Basel Hong Kong 2023 and Art Central 2023 were smoothly held in late March, attracting attendance figures of 86 000 and 40 000 respectively.

The Mega ACE Fund aims to attract and support international and large-scale arts and cultural events to be held in Hong Kong.  It targets mega arts and cultural events organised by the private sector or non-governmental organisations in Hong Kong, with a view to developing Hong Kong into an arts and cultural metropolis, providing opportunities for the arts and cultural sector to flourish, as well as fostering Hong Kong's development as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.  The arts and cultural mega events should be able to attract mass public interest in Hong Kong and/or from overseas; facilitate the development of Hong Kong into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange and a destination for tourists worldwide, as well as the development of arts and cultural sectors and creative industries; contribute to the industry-building of arts, cultural and creative industries, and enhance the ecosystem for arts and cultural sectors, and creative industries.  When assessing the applications, the Government will consider the event management capacity and ability of the applicants and project teams, including technical feasibility and financial planning.

For more information and the application form, please visit CSTB’s website at https://www.cstb.gov.hk/en/councils-boards-and-committees/mega-arts-and-cultural-events-committee.html.

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202304/19/P2023041900744.htm.
 

Further 90-day repayment deferment for trade facilities under the Pre-approved Principal Payment Holiday Scheme to end-July 2023

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), together with the Banking Sector SME Lending Coordination Mechanism (Mechanism) announced on 27 April 2023 a further 90-day repayment deferment for trade facilities under the Pre-approved Principal Payment Holiday Scheme (Scheme) to the end of July 2023, when the whole Scheme will expire.  This repayment deferment applies only to existing trade loans under the Scheme.

Existing trade loans under the Scheme falling due between May and July 2023 can be extended by a further 90 days.  For facilities which are self-liquidating, banks may require the loan to be settled when the customer has received the underlying payment.  For trade loans which have been successively extended for 270 days or more since first being drawn down, banks may adopt a flexible approach and consider, on a case-by-case basis and subject to prudent risk-management principles, whether other forms of relief are more suitable to help the customers ride out their difficulties.

The Mechanism encourages customers who are financially able and willing to resume some principal repayment in exchange for greater certainty about their future repayment schedule, to take up the partial principal repayment options pursuant to the HKMA's guidance of 20 October 2022.  For trade facilities, banks may discuss with customers having regard to their actual circumstances and allow them to repay the amount due by regular instalments over a period of two years.

If corporate customers have enquiries about the Scheme, they may contact the HKMA via the dedicated email account (ppphs@hkma.gov.hk) or enquiry hotline (2878 1199).

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202304/27/P2023042700435.htm.
 

Launch of Dedicated 100% Loan Guarantee Schemes for Cross-boundary Passenger Transport Trade and Travel Sector

The HKMC Insurance Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited (HKMC), announced the launch of the Dedicated 100% Loan Guarantee Scheme for Cross-boundary Passenger Transport Trade and the Dedicated 100% Loan Guarantee Scheme for Travel Sector starting from 29 April 2023.  Details of the two schemes are available on the website of the HKMC (https://www.hkmc.com.hk/eng/our_business/dlgs.html).

At the initial stage of the schemes' launch, there are ten participating lending institutions.  These include Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited; Bank of Communications (Hong Kong) Limited; China CITIC Bank International Limited; Hang Seng Bank, Limited; Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited; OCBC Wing Hang Bank Limited; Shanghai Commercial Bank Limited; Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited; The Bank of East Asia, Limited; and The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited.  It is envisaged that some other lending institutions will join later.  An updated list will be publicised in due course.  The schemes' loan applicants should contact the participating lending institutions under the schemes to apply for the loan.

The Financial Secretary announced in the 2023-24 Budget the introduction of 100% loan guarantee schemes for the cross‑boundary passenger transport trade and the travel sector to support their business resumption.  The objective of the Dedicated 100% Loan Guarantee Scheme for Cross-boundary Passenger Transport Trade is to allow eligible operators, registered vehicle owners or ferry owners of cross-boundary passenger transport to apply for loans for the purpose of vehicle or ferry repair and maintenance, buying insurance, etc. with a view to resuming services as soon as possible.  The Dedicated 100% Loan Guarantee Scheme for Travel Sector aims to assist licensed travel agents and local tour bus operators/registered owners in resolving short-term funding difficulties, hiring staff as soon as practicable and accelerating operational capability enhancement, so as to complement the pace of resumption of inbound and outbound tourism activities.

Eligible enterprises/persons wishing to apply for the concerned dedicated loans may approach the relevant lending institutions.  For public enquiries, please call the schemes' hotline at 2536 9788.

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202304/28/P2023042800580.htm.
 

Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Development Promotion Centre officially commences operation

A plaque unveiling ceremony was held in Guangzhou on 26 April 2023 for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Development Promotion Centre (Promotion Centre) of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Guangdong (GDETO) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), marking the official launch of the Promotion Centre.

The development of the GBA is a national strategy personally devised, personally planned and personally driven by President Xi Jinping.  It is a key development strategy in the country’s reform and opening up in the new era, as well as the best entry point for Hong Kong to better integrate into the overall development of the country.  The Chief Executive has, in his 2022 Policy Address, announced that the GDETO would set up the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Development Promotion Centre to support the development of Hong Kong people and enterprises in the GBA.

Addressing at the plaque unveiling ceremony, the Acting Commissioner for the Development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Mr Benjamin Mok, said that the HKSAR Government had all along attached great importance to the development of the GBA, and would continue to strengthen the ties with other cities in the GBA to promote high-level co-operation and high-quality development.  The plaque unveiling ceremony marked the official launch of the Promotion Centre, which would promote opportunities brought about by the GBA development to Hong Kong people and enterprises in the Mainland cities of the GBA and provide appropriate assistance to them when needed.

Speaking at the plaque unveiling ceremony, the Director of the GDETO, Miss Linda So, said that the Promotion Centre would strengthen co-operation with the HKTDC, InvestHK and relevant organisations and institutions in the Mainland or from overseas to provide information and enquiry services on the GBA.  This year, the Promotion Centre will organise different forms of exchanges and promotional activities in 2023, including exhibitions, seminars, study missions, etc. to fully support Hong Kong people and enterprises in the Mainland cities of the GBA, as well as to encourage Mainland talents and enterprises to make use of Hong Kong’s unique advantages under “One Country, Two Systems”, and come to Hong Kong to explore more opportunities for development, leveraging Hong Kong's dual roles in "going global and attracting foreign investment".

She added that Offices of the HKSAR Government in the Mainland had set up Dedicated Teams for Attracting Businesses and Talents to proactively reach out to target enterprises and talents, liaise with the world's top 100 universities and promote related schemes, with the aim of attracting high-quality enterprises and talents to Hong Kong to establish or expand their businesses.

Also attending the plaque unveiling ceremony included the Deputy Director General of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the People's Government of Guangdong Province, Mr Huang Duanlian; and the Second-level Inspector of the Office of the Leading Group on Construction of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area of Guangdong Province, Mr Su Weiguang.

For more details on the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Development Promotion Centre, please visit the dedicated website (https://www.gdeto.gov.hk/gbapromotioncentre/en/).  The Promotion Centre is located at Flat 1510, 15/F, Citic Plaza, 233 Tian He North Road, Guangzhou.  For enquiries, please contact the Promotion Centre at (8620) 3895 2200 or email to gba@gdeto.gov.hk.

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202304/26/P2023042600616.htm.
 

Hong Kong, Guangdong Province and Macao sign MOU on jointly promoting development of standards in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area

The TID, the Guangdong Administration for Market Regulation (GAMR) and the Economic and Technological Development Bureau (ETDB) of the Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on jointly promoting the development of standards in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA Standards) in Shenzhen on 24 April 2023 with a view to strengthening the development of GBA Standards.

The MOU was signed by the Director-General of Trade and Industry, Ms Maggie Wong; the Director of the GAMR, Mr Liu Guangming; and the Director of the ETDB, Mr Tai Kin-ip, at the Ceremony of Announcing the GBA Standards.

Ms Wong said that establishing standards can improve product and service quality, promote technological progress, and ensure safety and health, which is also an important technical support for economic activities and social development.  In accordance with the national strategic plan and with the strong support of the Central Government, the governments of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao are jointly promoting standardisation in the GBA.

In the long run, the work on GBA Standards can promote the harmonisation of rules in relevant sectors in the region, foster the interconnectivity and integrated development of the three places, and help build the GBA Standards brand, bringing benefits to the sectors.

The list of GBA Standards announced covers a total of 110 items in the fields of food quality and safety, Cantonese cuisine, transportation, mechanical and electrical products, as well as medical care, nursing care, education, e-sports, etc.  The GBA Standards are non-compulsory standards published by the Standardization Research Center for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, after consultations with relevant industries by the governments of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao.  Enterprises of the relevant industries are welcome to use the standards.

For information about the GBA Standards, please visit the website of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Standard Information Public Service Platform at https://www.gbsrc.org.cn/.

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202304/24/P2023042400619.htm.

 

Commencement of Companies (Amendment) Ordinance 2023

The Companies (Amendment) Ordinance 2023 has come into operation starting from 28 April 2023, providing flexibility for companies to hold general meetings in various manners.

The Companies (Amendment) Ordinance 2023 was passed by the Legislative Council on 18 January 2023.  The amended Companies Ordinance expressly enables companies to hold fully virtual or hybrid general meetings, in lieu of at physical locations.  It provides sufficient flexibility for companies to conduct corporate affairs smoothly and effectively having regard to their own circumstances and needs.

The Companies Registry (CR) has earlier organised talks for companies and issued a "Guidance Note - Good Practice on Holding Virtual or Hybrid General Meetings" to ensure smooth implementation of the new arrangements.  Detailed information is available on the CR's website (https://www.cr.gov.hk/en/legislation/co2023/overview.htm).

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202304/27/P2023042700245.htm.
 

Proposals to alter rateable values must be served by 31 May 2023

The Rating and Valuation Department (RVD) reminded members of the public on 28 April 2023 that they may search for rateable values effective from 1 April 2023 on the Valuation List and the Government Rent Roll on the department's website (https://www.rvd.gov.hk/en/index.html) or its Property Information Online website (https://www.rvdpi.gov.hk/epayment/public/pihHome.do) by 31 May 2023.

Proposals to alter the new rateable value of properties must be served to the Commissioner of Rating and Valuation by 31 May 2023 and should be made on the specified form (R20A) and be delivered by post or in person.  Copies of the form can be obtained from the department at 15/F, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon, and the Home Affairs Enquiry Centres of the Home Affairs Department.  The form can also be downloaded from the RVD's website (https://www.rvd.gov.hk/en/index.html).

The public can also lodge proposals on an electronic form (e-R20A) using the Electronic Submission of Forms service provided on the department's website.  Proposals sent by fax are not acceptable.

Under the Rating Ordinance and the Government Rent (Assessment and Collection) Ordinance, proposals served after 31 May 2023 would not be accepted.

Notwithstanding the lodging of a proposal, rates and rent payers must pay rates and government rent by the last day for payment shown on the demand notes.  The RVD will carefully consider all proposals and inform the proposers of the department's decisions before 1 December 2023.  Any changes in rates and government rent payable resulting from such decisions will date back to 1 April 2023 and any overpayment will be adjusted in subsequent demands.

For enquiries, please call 2152 0111 (handled by 1823).

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202304/28/P2023042700457.htm.
 

TLB established Task Force on Maritime and Port Development Strategy

The Transport and Logistics Bureau (TLB) announced on 19 April 2023 the establishment of the Task Force on Maritime and Port Development Strategy under the Maritime and Port Development Committee of the Hong Kong Maritime and Port Board to put forward an action plan on strategies to further promote the development of Hong Kong as an international maritime centre.

The Task Force will focus on the following tasks:

(a) formulate strategies for:

  • enhancing the development of business sectors such as ship finance, marine insurance, maritime arbitration and ship management, thereby enabling Hong Kong to become a global leading high-end maritime services market;
  • facilitating transformation of global maritime and port business towards zero emission;
  • promoting the development of smart initiatives and digitalisation in the maritime industry; and
  • promoting exchanges and collaboration among maritime industries in the GBA and those around the world;
(b) pursue studies to devise strategies for promoting the high-end maritime services industry and related areas thereby sustaining the competitiveness of the Hong Kong maritime and port industry; and

(c) conduct policy research and recommend initiatives to entrench Hong Kong's status as an international maritime centre including enhancing exchanges among industries in the international arena and the GBA.

The Task Force comprises experts from various sub-sectors within the maritime and port industry, such as shipowner, shipper, marine insurance, maritime arbitration, tax and commodity trading.  Other industry leaders and relevant bureaux/departments will be invited to attend meetings of the Task Force when relevant topics are discussed.  The membership of the Task Force is set out in the Annex.

As announced in the 2023-24 Budget, the Task Force is set up with the aim of putting forward the action plan on key strategies to accelerate the growth of Hong Kong's high value-added maritime services cluster and further entrench Hong Kong's status as an international maritime centre.  The Task Force targets to promulgate the action plan by the end of 2023.

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202304/19/P2023041900780.htm.

Testing and Certification Manpower Development Award Scheme 2023-24 opens for applications till 31 July 2023

Organised by the Hong Kong Council for Testing and Certification with executive support from the Innovation and Technology Commission, the Testing and Certification Manpower Development Award Scheme 2023-24 is open for applications from 2 May 2023 until 31 July 2023.  Accredited testing and certification (T&C) bodies and practitioners are welcome to apply.

The biennial Award Scheme aims at recognising and promoting the T&C bodies to invest in talent training and development, while also commending those T&C practitioners who have striven for continuous learning and professional development, and/or contributed to service quality improvement.

First organised in 2021, the Award Scheme 2023-24 consists of two categories of awards.  They are:
* Testing and Certification Manpower Development Corporate Award

  • Gold Award
  • Platinum Award
* Excellent Testing and Certification Professional Award
  • Junior Professional
  • Senior Professional
The results of the Awards will be announced in the fourth quarter of 2023.  All awardees will be invited to attend the award presentation ceremony and be presented with a trophy and an award certificate.  The corporate awardees will also be permitted to display the logo for the Gold Award or the Platinum Award as appropriate on their websites and publicity materials.

For details of the Award Scheme, please visit the dedicated website (https://tcmpaward.hk/).

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202305/02/P2023042700373.htm.

Producer Responsibility Scheme on Glass Beverage Containers implemented

The Producer Responsibility Scheme on Glass Beverage Containers (GPRS) has been fully implemented with effect from 1 May 2023 to enable relevant stakeholders to take up environmental responsibility for proper collection and treatment of waste glass beverage containers, turning the waste into resources for better utilisation as well as alleviating the pressure on landfills and promoting the development of a local circular economy.

According to the Product Eco-responsibility Ordinance (Cap. 603), starting from 1 May 2023, suppliers of glass-bottled beverages (including manufacturers and importers) must first register with the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) as a registered supplier before distributing any glass-bottled beverages in Hong Kong, otherwise it will be an offence and is liable to a maximum fine of $100,000 on conviction.  A registered supplier must fulfil its statutory obligations, including submission of returns, keeping records relating to the returns, payment of container recycling levies and submission of annual audit reports.  A registered supplier who has a recovery and reuse arrangement for the glass containers of its beverage products may apply to the EPD for a levy exemption.

After the commencement notices of the legislation were published in the Gazette in November 2022, the EPD started various preparatory work subsequently, including notifying beverage manufacturers, importers, exhibition organisers, trade associations and other stakeholders about the details of the GPRS, and disseminating information through various trade associations to their members.  The EPD also set up an enquiry hotline at 5200 0767, published relevant information on its website and posted advertisements in newspaper and online platforms.  In addition, to facilitate suppliers to submit returns, report and receive notices, the EPD has developed the Regulated Articles Information Management System for suppliers to submit applications and various electronic forms under the GPRS online.

To assist stakeholders to prepare for the implementation of the GPRS, the EPD organised 17 briefing sessions in various districts from February to April in 2023 to explain the statutory requirements and details regarding the collection of container recycling levies to stakeholders such as glass-bottled beverage suppliers, retailers and logistics companies, and helped the suppliers for the registration.  The response to the briefing was overwhelming.  More than 900 company representatives participated in the briefing.

As at the end of April 2023, the EPD has received about 900 applications for supplier registration.  Some registered suppliers have established their own reuse arrangements by collecting waste glass beverage containers of their brand from the market for proper cleaning, sterilisation and rebottling.  They applied to the EPD for a levy exemption and the EPD has granted levy exemptions to two registered suppliers.

In order to enable the suppliers understand the new legal requirements, the EPD has sent staff to visit relevant premises in various districts over the past few months.  The EPD has reminded the persons in charge and frontline staff of relevant companies to register as registered suppliers if they directly import and distribute glass-bottled beverages.  During the early stage of implementation of the scheme, the EPD will launch a new round of promotional activities to remind and facilitate the trade to submit returns in a timely manner and pay the container recycling levies per their obligations.  The EPD will also conduct investigations through different channels and take enforcement actions against merchants who are suspected of non-compliance.

For details of the scheme, please visit the EPD's website at: https://www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/environmentinhk/waste/pro_responsibility/gprs.html.

In addition, according to the Waste Disposal Ordinance (Cap. 354), starting from 1 May 2023, save for certain exclusions, any person who stores, treats, reprocesses or recycles glass container waste shall obtain a waste disposal license.  Any person who imports or exports glass container waste shall obtain a permit issued by the EPD or otherwise it is illegal.  First-time offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and six months' imprisonment.  As at the end of April 2023, the EPD has issued four relevant waste disposal licenses (including the glass management contractors appointed by the EPD).  For information and application forms for waste disposal licenses and waste import and export permits, please visit the websites: https://www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/environmentinhk/waste/guide_ref/facilities_glass.html and https://www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/environmentinhk/waste/guide_ref/wdo_glass.html.

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202304/30/P2023042700483.htm.
 

FEHD further extended trial scheme to regulate disposal arrangement of waste generated by food premises

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) announced the extension of its trial scheme to regulate disposal arrangement of waste generated by food premises to cover all districts (except the Islands District) from 24 April 2023, allowing licensed food premises to place large-sized waste containers in their connected rear lanes under specific conditions for temporary storage of waste until collection by the cleaning workers hired by the food premises.

The first phase of the trial scheme was launched in November 2022 in nine rear lanes connected to food premises.  The overall environmental hygiene situation and rodent infestation in these rear lanes have significantly improved.  The FEHD has therefore extended the scheme to other nine districts.  Other districts will, depending on the actual situation, continue to further extend the scheme to cover more suitable rear lanes.

Taking into account the environment of individual rear lanes and the actual operation circumstances of participating licensed food premises, and having consolidated the experience gained in the first phase of the trial scheme, the FEHD allows food premises to use 240-litre or 660-litre waste containers in the second phase as they see fit where feasible.  The food premises concerned have to prepare their own waste containers with standard labels of the shop signs, and to ensure that the waste containers are in proper use without any leakage and in clean condition.

Trade waste generated by food premises, especially restaurants, generally includes a large amount of food remnants.  If not handled properly, it will lead to bad smells and provide a food source and hiding place for rodents.  It may also be a public health nuisance to nearby residents and the public, and may cause food safety and environmental hygiene problems.  Therefore, the food business has the responsibility to properly dispose of trade waste it generates.  The FEHD will take enforcement action against those who fail to observe the relevant regulations.

Nonetheless, in their actual operation, many food premises need to place their waste outdoors briefly for collection by cleaning workers.  The FEHD wishes to assist, in a pragmatic way, the food business in fulfilling its responsibilities, and with the trial scheme, seeks to standardise the way food premises store and dispose of their waste with a view to improving the environmental hygiene of the rear lanes concerned and thereby effectively prevent rodent infestation.

For the locations of the selected rear lanes of the trial scheme and the relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202304/24/P2023042400289.htm.
 

Consultation on annual update to Financial Services Providers list under OTC derivatives regulatory regime

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) issued on 21 April 2023 a joint consultation on the annual update to the list of Financial Services Providers (Note 1) under the over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives clearing regime (Note 2).  Proposed changes to the list include adding and removing one entity, respectively, and updating the name of one entity.

Interested parties are invited to submit comments to the HKMA or the SFC by 19 May 2023.  The joint consultation paper can be downloaded from the websites of the HKMA or the SFC.

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202304/21/P2023042100593.htm.

Note 1: The list includes entities that meet the following two criteria:
(i) They belong to a group of companies appearing on the list of global systemically important banks published by the Financial Stability Board, or on the list of dealer groups which undertook to the OTC Derivatives Supervisors Group to work collaboratively with central counterparties, infrastructure providers and global supervisors to continue to make structural improvements to the global OTC derivatives markets; and
(ii) They are clearing members of the largest central counterparties offering clearing for interest rate swaps in the United States, Europe, Japan and Hong Kong.

Note 2: The concept of Financial Services Providers (FSP) has been introduced to the clearing regime for the purpose of identifying major OTC derivatives dealers outside Hong Kong.  Certain transactions conducted between an FSP and a prescribed person (i.e. an Authorized Institution, an approved money broker or a licensed corporation) are required to be centrally cleared.
 

Occupational Safety and Occupational Health Legislation (Miscellaneous Amendments) Ordinance 2023 taken effect upon gazettal

The Occupational Safety and Occupational Health Legislation (Miscellaneous Amendments) Ordinance 2023 (the Ordinance) took effect upon gazettal on 28 April 2023.

The Ordinance amends the Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance (Cap. 59) and the Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance (Cap. 509), as well as their subsidiary legislation to increase overall the penalties for occupational safety and health (OSH) offences so as to enhance their deterrent effect for better protection of employees' OSH.

The Ordinance mainly makes amendments to the OSH legislation as follows:

(i) With regard to offences under general duty (GD) provisions for employers, proprietors and occupiers of premises (employer GD provisions), the Labour Department (LD) can take out prosecutions by way of indictment.  The maximum fines and imprisonment terms are set at $10 million and two years respectively, and new provisions are added to require the courts to take into account the convicted entity's turnover and other financial information given by the convicted entity when sentencing;

(ii) increase the maximum fines of offences prosecuted summarily under the employer GD provisions and the employee GD provisions to $3 million and $150,000 respectively;

(iii) adjust the maximum fines for other summary offences according to their seriousness; and

(iv) extend the time limit for prosecution for an offence that is triable summarily from six months to nine months.

The Government will launch a comprehensive publicity campaign to enable industries and the public to understand the new penalties of OSH offences.  These include providing the latest information on the new penalties on the LD's website (https://www.labour.gov.hk/eng/index.htm), distributing promotional pamphlets and broadcasting TV and radio announcements through the media, etc.  In addition, the LD will continue to co-operate closely with the Department of Justice to ensure that evidence collection and prosecution work will be properly and effectively done, with a view to facilitating the courts to hand down more deterring sentences that are commensurate with the seriousness of the offences.

Raising the penalties of OSH offences is one of the Government's strategies to improve the OSH performance of Hong Kong.  The LD will continue to adopt a three-pronged approach to promote an OSH culture through inspection and enforcement, publicity and promotion, as well as education and training, as a result to reduce the occurrence of accidents.

New penalties under the Ordinance have no retrospective effect and there is no grace period.

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202304/28/P2023042700454.htm.
 

Order on Comprehensive Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement with Mauritius gazetted

The Chief Executive in Council has made an order under the Inland Revenue Ordinance (Cap. 112) to give effect to a Comprehensive Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement (CDTA) that Hong Kong signed with Mauritius in November 2022.  The order was gazetted on 28 April 2023.

Under the CDTA, investors will not have to pay tax twice on a single source of income.  This will bring tax savings and a greater certainty on taxation liabilities for the residents of Hong Kong and Mauritius when they engage in cross-border trade and investment activities.

The order was tabled at the Legislative Council on 3 May 2023 for negative vetting.  In accordance with the relevant article of the CDTA, the CDTA will enter into force after both Hong Kong and Mauritius have completed their ratification procedures.

Highlights of the CDTA are set out in the Annex.

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202304/26/P2023042600283.htm.
 

HKeToll to be implemented in Tsing Sha Control Area from 5am on 7 May 2023

The Transport Department (TD) reminded the public on 26 April 2023 that the HKeToll, a free-flow tolling service, will be implemented in the Tsing Sha Control Area (TSCA) (Eagle's Nest Tunnel, Sha Tin Heights Tunnel and Tai Wai Tunnel) from 5am on 7 May 2023 (Sunday) to replace all manual toll booths and Autotoll lanes.  Motorists can pay tunnel tolls using toll tags, without having to stop or queue at toll booths for payments, thereby saving time and enjoying convenience.

As of 25 April 2023, more than 660,000 vehicle tags had been issued, accounting for about 82 per cent of licensed vehicles in Hong Kong, of which over 66 per cent of vehicle owners had opened HKeToll accounts.  After installation of vehicle tags, motorists must open accounts and set up the payment means to pay tunnel tolls through the HKeToll service.  The TD appeals to vehicle owners who have received a vehicle tag but have not yet opened an HKeToll account to open an account and set up the payment means as soon as possible.

After the implementation of the HKeToll in the TSCA, motorists can only use thee HKeToll to pay tunnel tolls.  If a registered vehicle owner is unable to use the HKeToll to pay tolls, the automatic number plate recognition technology of the HKeToll will detect the vehicle passing the tolled tunnel.  The toll service provider will send an electronic payment notice to the registered vehicle owner.  He/she must log in to the HKeToll website or mobile app within 14 business days to check and pay the outstanding toll, either by credit card; or follow instructions to generate a QR code to pay via the Faster Payment System or at 7-Eleven convenience stores by cash.  Payment of outstanding tolls can also be made at the four customer service centres and four service outlets.  A late payment will incur a surcharge.

Motorists are reminded that other government tolled tunnels which have not yet implemented the HKeToll will continue to use current toll collection methods (i.e. manual and Autotoll lanes).  They should not remove the Autotoll tags at this stage.

The customer service hotline 3853 7333 will operate 24 hours daily starting from 7 May 2023.  The four customer service centres, four service outlets, two car park service counters and 34 consultation counters located at MTR stations and the Home Affairs Enquiry Centres/Multi-purpose Room in the New Territories District Offices will continue to assist members of the public to handle the HKeToll service.  Please refer to Annex 1 for the locations and service hours of the above facilities.

In addition, temporary traffic arrangements will be implemented in phases in the vicinity of the TSCA from 11pm on 6 May 2023.  Both directions of Eagle's Nest Tunnel, Sha Tin Heights Tunnel and Tai Wai Tunnel and their connecting roads will be temporarily closed from 2am to 5am on 7 May 2023 to facilitate the works to close the toll booth facilities, amend traffic signs and road markings, etc to tie in with the implementation of the HKeToll.  Motorists are advised to allow sufficient journey times and use alternative routes, such as Tai Po Road and Lion Rock Tunnel, to travel between Kowloon and Sha Tin.  Traffic signs and road markings will be provided on-site to guide motorists.  Please refer to Annex 2 for the temporary traffic arrangements at the TSCA.

Following the TSCA, the HKeToll will be extended to Shing Mun Tunnel and Lion Rock Tunnel during the next stage, and gradually to all government tolled tunnels within the year.

For relevant press release and relevant arrangement, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202304/26/P2023042600248.htm and https://gia.info.gov.hk/general/202304/26/P2023042600248_418116_1_1682506024480.pdf (in Chinese only).
 

"Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles" open for application from 1 June 2023

The HKSAR Government announced on 1 May 2023 the implementation arrangements of "Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles" (the Scheme).

Upon the agreement between the governments of Guangdong and Hong Kong, the Scheme will be open for application from eligible Hong Kong private cars from 9am on 1 June 2023.  Approved Hong Kong private cars will be allowed to travel between Hong Kong and Guangdong via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) starting from 0.00am on 1 July 2023.

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, expressed his gratitude for the staunch support of the Central Government and the Guangdong Provincial Government in taking forward and realising the Scheme which will inject further impetus for growth in the economic, trade, social and cultural links between Hong Kong and Guangdong.

"The Scheme provides a convenient way for Hong Kong citizens to self-drive to Guangdong via the HZMB for business, visiting families or sight-seeing on a short-term basis, thereby embracing the opportunities brought by the HZMB and facilitating further connection among cities in the GBA.  The Scheme also marks another important milestone in the economic integration and development of the GBA." Mr Lee said.

The Guangdong Provincial Government has announced on 1 May 2023 the regulations for the Scheme, including detailed eligibility requirements of applicants, vehicles and drivers, permissible duration of stay in Guangdong, insurance requirements, vehicle examination, procedures and formalities and penal mechanisms.  For details, please refer to the official website of the People's Government of Guangdong Province (in Chinese only).

To ensure that the Scheme is implemented in an orderly manner, the governments of Guangdong and Hong Kong agreed to set a cap on the number of applications to be accepted, which will be allocated through computer balloting, at the initial stage of launching the Scheme.  Upon the application commencement, 200 applications will be accepted per working day in the first week, followed by 300 applications to be accepted per working day from the second week onwards.  The application situation will be reviewed and the number of applications to be accepted will be increased progressively.  Applicants will need to first register for computer balloting through the designated website of the Scheme (https://www.hzmbqfs.gov.hk/en/).  The first round of ballot registration is from 29 to 30 May 2023, and the result will be released on 31 May 2023.  Successful applicants of balloting can submit applications for the Scheme within the designated date and time randomly allocated by computer system starting from 9am on 1 June 2023.

For those interested in applying for the Scheme, after submitting the application, they should allow time for completing various relevant procedures in accordance with the requirements of the Mainland departments.  Major application procedures include:

  1. applicants should submit applications for the Scheme through an online platform to obtain the licences of the two places.  Drivers under the Scheme should obtain both Hong Kong and Mainland driving licences of private cars.  Currently, the arrangement of direct issue of driving licences between Mainland and Hong Kong has been in place.  Hong Kong driving licence holders who want to obtain Mainland driving licence may complete the relevant procedures in person in advance via the licensing counters of vehicle management office of traffic management department of public security organs above the prefecture level in Guangdong;
  2. applicants should drive their vehicles to the designated vehicle examination premises in Hong Kong for vehicle examination.  There is no need to visit the Mainland for vehicle examination;
  3. as for insurance, the regulatory authorities of Hong Kong and the Mainland have reached consensus on the "unilateral recognition" arrangement for cross-boundary motor insurance.  Owners of Hong Kong vehicles can take out "unilateral recognition" insurance policies issued by Hong Kong insurance companies which fulfill relevant requirements, such that there is no need to separately purchase Compulsory Traffic Accident Liability Insurance for Motor Vehicles of the Mainland; and
  4. upon completion of the application procedures in accordance with the requirements and approval, applicants will receive the relevant licences issued by the TD of Hong Kong and the Mainland departments.

To ensure better northbound travel experience for the approved applicants, the governments of Guangdong and Hong Kong have also agreed to set a daily cap on the number of northbound vehicles.  Applicants who have obtained the relevant licences for the Scheme from the TD and the Mainland departments may book for travelling within a designated period in the subsequent month via the online booking system starting from the middle of each month.  Subject to the number of booking, there may be a need to allocate designated dates for northbound vehicles through computing balloting.  If the number of applications has not reached its cap, applicants may make the booking via the system on a first-come-first-served basis.  More details about the northbound travel booking system will be announced on the webpage of the TD in due course.

As for the specific details of eligibility criteria, application methods and procedures, as well as information about northbound travel, please refer to the designated webpage of the Scheme.  As regards the "unilateral recognition" insurance arrangement, please refer to the information published by the Insurance Authority and the Hong Kong Federation of Insurers.

The State Council has announced the customs guarantee-free policy for eligible Hong Kong private cars under the Scheme in November 2022.  The policy will allow Hong Kong private cars participating in the Scheme to be exempted from paying customs duties or applying for guarantee arrangements with Mainland customs, thereby simplifying the relevant application procedures and reducing the handling fees.  The governments of Guangdong and Hong Kong will closely monitor and review the application and implementation situation of the Scheme, with a view to enhancing the application procedures and providing convenience to members of the public.

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202305/01/P2023050100298.htm.
 

Government welcomed passage of tax concessions and increase in child allowance

The Government welcomed the passage of the Inland Revenue (Amendment) (Child Allowance and Tax Concessions) Bill 2023 by the Legislative Council on 19 April 2023.  It gives effect to two proposals made in the 2023-24 Budget, including:

  1. the reduction 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; and
  2. increasing the basic child allowance and the additional child allowance for each child born during the year of assessment under salaries tax and tax under personal assessment from $120,000 to $130,000 starting from the year of assessment 2023/24.
The two proposals mainly aim at alleviating the burden of taxpayers.  The one-off tax concessions will benefit about 1.9 million taxpayers of salaries tax and tax under personal assessment, and 133 500 tax-paying businesses, with the total government revenue forgone amounting to about $9.2 billion.  The increase in child allowance will benefit around 324 000 taxpayers and reduce the tax revenue of the Government by about $610 million a year.

The tax concessions will be reflected in taxpayers' final tax payable for the year of assessment 2022/23.  Moreover, the Inland Revenue Department will apply the new level of child allowance in calculating the provisional tax for taxpayers for the year of assessment 2023/24.

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202304/19/P2023041900641.htm.
 

Hong Kong Customs launched official Douyin account

Hong Kong Customs launched its official Douyin account on 26 April 2023, further expanding its social media channels to enhance communication and connectivity between Customs and members of the public.

Following the launch of its YouTube channel, Facebook page and Instagram account, the newly launched Douyin account serves as another online channel for quick and direct access to the department's multi-faceted work and the latest information for Hong Kong and Mainland residents, especially Mainland tourists who intend to visit Hong Kong, so that they can better grasp the useful Customs information.

A promotional video featuring the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Ms Louise Ho, has been produced and uploaded to Customs' official Douyin account (v.douyin.com/D5NaytY/) as a prelude to the launch.

Moreover, Customs has posted new promotional videos on Douyin to unveil common unfair trade practices and remind tourists to stay alert when shopping and avoid falling into consumer pitfalls of unfair trade practices.

Members of the public are welcome to view, follow and share the information of Hong Kong Customs' Douyin official account (v.douyin.com/D5J7qty/) through the hyperlinks.

For relevant press release and QR codes, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202304/26/P2023042600296.htm.

 

Topical Issues

Support Measures relating to Liquidity

In view of the cash-flow pressure of SMEs, SUCCESS has compiled a summary of support measures relating to liquidity.

More Details
 

SME ReachOut

Amid difficult business environment, HKPC knows SMEs are in the urgent need of cash to keep business running.  The "SME ReachOut" support team is here to help SMEs well equip for bouncing back, through introducing and matching the appropriate funding schemes.

"SME ReachOut", a dedicated service team operated by HKPC, has commenced operation starting from 1 January 2020 to support SMEs through free-of-charge one-on-one meetings.  The team would help SMEs identify funding schemes that suit their needs, while answering questions relating to applications.

There are over 40 funding schemes provided by the Government for SMEs, with different funding scopes, amounts and requirements.  "SME ReachOut" serves to enhance SMEs' understanding of the Government's funding schemes, with a view to encouraging better utilisation of the support provided by the Government, and to enhancing their competitiveness and development.

For further information or enquiries, please contact "SME ReachOut" Hotline / WhatsApp (Text Message Only) at 2788 6868 or email by sme_reachout@hkpc.org or visit https://www.hkpc.org/en/support-resource/sme-one/sme-reachout.

 

Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading and Domestic Sales (BUD Fund)

The TID rolled out enhancements to the BUD Fund on 7 November 2022.

The cumulative funding ceiling per enterprise of the BUD Fund has been raised from $6 million to $7 million and the maximum number of approved projects per enterprise has been increased from 60 to 70.

HKPC as the BUD Fund implementation partner regularly organises seminars/webinars in order to enhance enterprises’ understanding of the BUD Fund.  For more details of the BUD Fund, please visit its website (www.bud.hkpc.org/en) or contact the HKPC at 2788 6088.

 

Business News

GDETO Newsletter

The latest issue of the GDETO Newsletter has been published.

More Details (in Chinese only)
 

Commercial Information Circulars (CICs) of the Mainland

The TID issued a number of Commercial Information Circulars (CICs) on the Mainland's trade and economic rules and regulations.  The latest CICs have been published. 

More Details

   
   
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