Support and Consultation Centre for SMEs
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SUCCESS
E-newsletter
17 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

Youth Entrepreneurship Opportunities in GBA (Seminar)

(This seminar will be held by SUCCESS on 7 June 2023 at Trade and Industry Tower)

The rapid development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) brings about enormous opportunities for Hong Kong young entrepreneurs. In this seminar, enterprise representatives operating businesses in GBA are invited to provide practical information on the GBA market and the concessionary policy initiatives introduced by various municipal governments in the GBA, as well as share their experiences of doing business there, with a view to assisting young people in grasping the opportunities of GBA development. (This seminar will be conducted in Cantonese.)

More Details
 

SUCCESS-supported Activities

I. Essentials for Physical Store - Practical and O2O Marketing Tips (Event)

(This event will be held at the Hong Kong Retail Management Association on 19 May 2023)

This event is organised by the Hong Kong Retail Management Association.  SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations.  This event will share tips on operating a physical store, including online-merge-offline (OMO) retail marketing strategy, e-payment platform, cloud point of sale (POS) system and human resources system.  (This event will be conducted in Cantonese.)

More Details (in Chinese only)

II. Hong Kong Awards for Environmental Excellence 2022 - Virtual Company Visit (Webinar)

(This webinar will be live-streamed on 23 and 30 May 2023)

This webinar is jointly organised by the Environmental Campaign Committee, the Environment and Ecology Bureau, the Advisory Council on the Environment, the Business Environment Council, The Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, The Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong, the Federation of Hong Kong Industries, The Hong Kong Chinese Importers' & Exporters' Association, The Hong Kong Council of Social Service, The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce and the HKPC.  Supported by SUCCESS, this webinar will invite award-winning organisations of the Hong Kong Awards for Environmental Excellence 2021 to share their outstanding environmental protection performance and measures.  (This webinar will be conducted in Cantonese.)

More Details (in Chinese only)

III. Human Resources Evolution: Exploring New Horizons of Data Analysis (Seminar)

(This seminar will be held at Hong Kong Management Association on 30 May 2023)

This seminar is organised by The Hong Kong Management Association.  SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations.  This seminar will introduce advanced people analytics tools and innovative human resources (HR) management strategies, with a view to assisting HR professionals in nurturing talents of data analysis.  (This seminar will be conducted in Cantonese.)

More Details (in Chinese only)

IV. How SMEs Can Make Use of ESG New Opportunities for Upgrade and Transformation (Seminar)

(This seminar will be held at HKTDC SME Centre on 1 June 2023)

This seminar is organised by the HKTDC.  SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations.  This seminar will explain environmental, social and governance (ESG) related opportunities, registration and assessment requirements, with a view to assisting SMEs in capturing the business opportunities brought by sustainable development.  (This seminar will be conducted in Cantonese.)

More Details (in Chinese only)
 

Intellectual Property Department: IP Training Programme “IP102: IP Management and Protection in the Mainland”

(This course will be conducted at the VTC Tower, Wan Chai on 27 June and 4 July 2023)

Organised by the Intellectual Property Department, the 2023 IP Training Programme has been rolled out and the following course is now open for registration.

"IP102: IP Management and Protection in the Mainland" aims to introduce the registration methods, protection mechanisms, management strategies and enforcement actions of intellectual property (IP) rights in the Mainland of China, allowing participants to fully grasp the fundamental knowledge of the IP system in the Mainland.  This course will be conducted by local legal experts with practical experience and familiar with the Mainland IP system.  The medium of instruction will be Cantonese.  Participants will receive a certificate upon completion of the training course.

Interested participants may first enroll in the "IP Manager Scheme PLUS" for free by filling out an online form to get priority in course registration.Registration fee for the course is waived for members of the Scheme.

More details
Registration
 

Code of Practice in Times of Typhoons and Rainstorms

The Labour Department published the “Code of Practice in Times of Typhoons and Rainstorms” (COP). The COP aims at reminding employers to consult employees and make prior work arrangements for staff during and after tropical cyclone, rainstorm warnings or “extreme conditions” and other adverse weather conditions, including arrangement on reporting for duty, release from work, resumption of work and work from home (if applicable), etc. The COP also provides reference guidelines to employers and employees on relevant arrangements.

Details on the COP
 

Community testing centres and community testing stations completely ceased operation

The Government announced on 5 May 2023 the closure of five COVID-19 community testing centres and community testing stations (CTC/CTSs) (Leighton Hill Community Hall, Edinburgh Place, Central, Henry G Leong Yaumatei Community Centre, Lek Yuen Community Hall and Yuen Long Town East Community Hall) with effect from 13 May 2023.

In the light of the full resumption of normalcy in society and the gradual lifting of pre-departure COVID-19 nucleic acid testing requirement for inbound purposes around the world, the demand for local testing services has dropped to a very low level recently.  For better utilisation of resources, the Government decided to close the five CTC/CTSs starting from 13 May 2023.

For citizens who need to conduct nucleic acid testing, they may make their own arrangements at local nucleic acid testing institutions.  The list of nucleic acid testing institutions recognised by the Government and their service locations can be found on the following webpage: https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/pdf/List_of_recognised_laboratories.pdf.

The five CTC/CTSs ceased operation will revert to their original community and recreational uses as soon as practicable.  The 80 community and recreational sites released earlier have been returned to the venue managers.

COVID-19 is now being managed as an upper respiratory tract illness.  The Government's decision to completely cease the operation of CTC/CTSs ties in with the latest epidemic development and the principle of risk management.  The Government will continue to closely monitor the latest situation of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases, making every effort to safeguard public health.

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202305/05/P2023050500431.htm.
 

2023 Mainland-Hong Kong Joint Funding Scheme invites proposals for applied R&D projects till 30 June 2023

The Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) launched on 15 May 2023 the 2023 Mainland-Hong Kong Joint Funding Scheme to invite proposals for applied research and development (R&D) projects jointly conducted by institutions in Hong Kong and the Mainland under three specific themes:

(i) Biotechnology: Chinese medicine-based new medicines, research on medicines for treating rare diseases, regenerative medicines for treating degenerative diseases, tissue stem cells isolation and functions evaluation;
(ii) Artificial Intelligence (AI): Research on the security and privacy of AI systems, brain-inspired intelligence, smart transportation, smart healthcare (including medical robots); and
(iii) New Materials: Optoelectronic materials; third-generation semiconductor technologies, key materials for highly secured, high energy and density fuel cells, research on and application of biomedical materials.

Applications will be accepted from today until 30 June 2023.

The Scheme aims to support and encourage further R&D collaboration between Hong Kong and the Mainland.  Applications must be submitted simultaneously by the Hong Kong and Mainland institutions to the ITC and the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) respectively, and the R&D work must be conducted in both places and involve co-operation between the two places.  The ITC and MOST will provide funding to the Hong Kong and Mainland applicant organisations respectively, and will monitor project progress according to their own requirements.

Further information can be obtained on the Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF) website (https://www.itf.gov.hk/en/mhkjfs).  For enquiries, please contact the ITF Secretariat (Tel: 3655 5678; email: enquiry@itf.gov.hk).

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202305/15/P2023051200279.htm.

 

Support Programme for Employees with Disabilities accepts applications all year round

To support the employment of persons with disabilities, the Social Welfare Department (SWD) launched the Support Programme for Employees with Disabilities (SPED) in June 2013 to provide employers of persons with disabilities with a one-off subsidy for each employee with disabilities for procurement of assistive devices and/or workplace modifications.  The programme, which aims to assist employees with disabilities in discharging their duties in the workplace and enhance their work efficiency, is open for applications all year round.

A wide range of assistive devices and workplace modifications which cater for the special needs of employees with disabilities at the workplace may be considered for support.  Examples include computer accessories or adaptive equipment, optical magnifying devices, hearing and assistive devices, Braille products and handrails.  The maximum support level for the SPED is $40,000 for each employee with disabilities.

Po Leung Kuk has been commissioned to serve as the SPED Administrator.  It assists in administering and promoting the SPED, providing advisory services and following up on the progress of the subsidised programmes.  It also prepares assessments on the applications and makes recommendations to the Committee on the SPED set up by the SWD for consideration.

Employers may apply for a subsidy under the SPED through nomination by the following referring organisations:

  1. non-governmental organisations (NGOs) operating SWD-subvented vocational rehabilitation services;
  2. NGOs running training courses for persons with disabilities or persons recovering from work injuries with the funding support of the Employees Retraining Board;
  3. the Selective Placement Division of the Labour Department;
  4. the Vocational Training Council; or
  5. the SPED Administrator (Po Leung Kuk).
Employers may submit their completed application forms together with the required documents by mail or by hand to the SWD through the referring organisations.  No application fee is required and each applicant may submit more than one application.

For enquiries, please contact the Po Leung Kuk SPED Office by phone at 3980 9677, by email at sped@poleungkuk.org.hk or by fax at 3980 9633.

Members of the public may visit the SWD website https://www.swd.gov.hk/en/index/site_pubsvc/page_rehab/sub_listofserv/id_vocational/id_sped/ for the latest updates and downloads of the information note and the SPED application form.

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202305/04/P2023050300474.htm.
 

55th APEC SME Working Group meeting successfully held in Hong Kong

The 55th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Small and Medium Enterprises Working Group (SMEWG) meeting, organised by the TID, successfully concluded on 5 May 2023.

During the two-day meeting, around 100 delegates from APEC member economies and other guests had fruitful exchanges on issues concerning the development of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and actively participated in useful discussions on the SMEWG's Strategic Plan for supporting SMEs in the Asia-Pacific region.

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, expressed his appreciation for the great efforts made by the SMEWG in addressing the pressing and emerging concerns related to the growth and recovery of SMEs.

"These efforts by the Working Group are particularly essential in the post-pandemic era, as new challenges and uncertainties remain ahead for SMEs.  On the other hand, there are also numerous opportunities that will allow SMEs to flourish in the evolving business landscape.  It is thus imperative to support SMEs in seizing these opportunities, and facilitate and foster their sustainable growth," Mr Yau stressed.

Mr Yau added that Hong Kong, China was committed to supporting SMEs in their efforts to achieve a swift post-pandemic recovery and capitalise on new business opportunities.  After the resumption of normalcy, Hong Kong, China has already staged several major international conferences and exhibitions, attracting tens of thousands of business travellers and tourists from around the globe.

In her welcoming remarks on 4 May morning, the Director-General of Trade and Industry, Ms Maggie Wong, underscored the significance of SMEs as the backbone of the economies in the Asia-Pacific region, stressing the vital importance of their vitality and business performance.

"With APEC economies' unwavering commitment to supporting SMEs, the Asia-Pacific region as a whole will remain a vibrant and thriving hub for SMEs' growth and prosperity," Ms Wong added.

APEC is an intergovernmental forum comprising 21 economies in the Asia-Pacific region.  The SMEWG is the main forum where APEC member economies exchange information, views, best practices and analysis concerning SMEs in the APEC region for the inclusive development of sustainable, resilient and innovative SMEs.

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202305/05/P2023050500609.htm.
 

Government launches Phase 2 services of Trade Single Window

The Government launched on 15 May 2023 Phase 2 services of the Trade Single Window (TSW) to cover 14 types of trade documents, which will be extended progressively to cover a total of 28 types of trade documents (see Annex), marking another milestone of the development of the TSW.

The TSW provides a one-stop electronic platform for trade members to lodge business-to-government trade documents for trade declaration and cargo clearance.  Implementation of the TSW will overhaul and enhance document submission workflows between relevant government departments and the trade, which will help the trade save time and cost, enhance the efficiency of cargo clearance in Hong Kong, and maintain Hong Kong's status as a prominent international trade centre and logistics hub.

Phase 1 of the TSW, first rolled out in December 2018 covering 14 types of trade documents, is now in full service.  The services are well received by the trade, with around 11 650 licences/permits issued under Phase 1 services in 2022, accounting for about 90 per cent of the annual number of relevant documents issued.  On top of covering 28 more types of trade documents, Phase 2 of the TSW has also incorporated new functions to create better user experience.  These include advanced account management functions, full support for the “iAM Smart” Platform, seamless interface with the information systems of relevant government departments, provision of notification service and functions to allow submissions in bulk.

Similar to the arrangement for Phase 1, the use of the services provided by Phase 2 of the TSW is voluntary, and trade members may continue to use existing channels provided by relevant government departments for submitting trade documents.

The transaction volume of the 28 types of trade documents covered by Phase 2 exceeded 1.1 million in 2022.  The Government will promote Phase 2 services through a comprehensive support, publicity and training programme.  The Government encourages trade members to register online as TSW users on the TSW website (https://www4.tradesinglewindow.hk/portal/en/index.html) and submit trade documents newly covered under Phase 2 services through the one-stop platform, so as to further help the trade save time and cost, and enhance the efficiency of cargo clearance in Hong Kong.

The TSW will be implemented in three phases.  Trade documents covered by the first two phases are mainly import and export licences/permits required for specific controlled goods.  Phase 3 is the final and most complex phase, which will cover Import and Export Declaration, Advance Cargo Information, Cargo Manifest and Cargo Report in respect of different transport modes, and applications for the Certificate of Origin and Permit for Dutiable Commodities.  The total volume of these documents was around 93 million in 2022.  The Government targets to roll out Phase 3 services by batch starting from early 2026 and fully implement the TSW by 2027.

The Office of Trade Single Window Operation of the Customs and Excise Department oversees the operation of the TSW system and provides support to TSW users through training, help-desk and hotline services.  For enquiries, please contact the Office of Trade Single Window Operation at 2117 3348 or by email to enquiry@tradesinglewindow.hk.

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202305/15/P2023051500268.htm.
 

Legislative amendments on air transport of dangerous goods gazetted

The Air Navigation (Hong Kong) Order 1995 (Amendment of Schedule 16) Order 2023 and the Dangerous Goods (Consignment by Air) (Safety) Regulations (Amendment of Schedule) Order 2023 were gazetted on 5 May 2023 and tabled in the Legislative Council on 10 May 2023 to implement the latest requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for the safe transport of dangerous goods (DG) by air.

The ICAO's Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air (Technical Instructions) sets out in details the provisions governing the transport of DG by air.  A new edition (i.e. the 2023-2024 edition) of the Technical Instructions was already published.  The Air Navigation (Hong Kong) Order 1995 (Amendment of Schedule 16) Order 2023 and the Dangerous Goods (Consignment by Air) (Safety) Regulations (Amendment of Schedule) Order 2023 serve to incorporate the latest requirements of the Technical Instructions in the local legislation to ensure aviation safety.

The new edition of the Technical Instructions mainly updated some technical requirements on the classification, packing, marking and labelling of certain DG for carriage by air.  Some of the updated provisions include:

  1. revisions have been made to the classification criteria of radioactive material to align with the Regulations for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Material published by the International Atomic Energy Agency;
  2. the packing instructions of lithium batteries have been enhanced through the new requirements of stack test as well as the separation and contact prevention among multiple equipment packed within the same packaging, and the prohibition of damaged or defective lithium batteries installed in engines, vehicles, etc, from carriage by air has been specified; and
  3. the requirement for an enquiry telephone number to appear on the lithium battery mark has been removed.
The Transport and Logistics Bureau has consulted the aviation industry and the industry supports the legislative proposals.

The target commencement date for the above legislative amendments is 30 June 2023.

DG, in the context of air transport, include explosives, compressed gas, flammable liquids, flammable solids, oxidising substances, toxic substances, infectious substances, radioactive materials, corrosives, etc.

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202305/03/P2023050300256.htm.
 

Security and Guarding Services (Licensing) (Amendment) Regulation 2023 gazetted

The Government published the Security and Guarding Services (Licensing) (Amendment) Regulation 2023 (Amendment Regulation) in the Gazette on 5 May 2023 and submitted the Amendment Regulation to the Legislative Council for negative vetting on 10 May 2023 to revise the prescribed licence form for enabling electronic licensing (e-licensing) for security companies.

Owing to the format of the existing prescribed licence form, the Secretary of the Security and Guarding Services Industry Authority (SGSIA) would need to record information about the annual payment on the original licence after the security company licensees have paid the annual fee.  Hence, the security company licence must be issued in paper format.

To be in line with the spirit of business facilitation, the Government proposes to abolish the requirement for security company licensees to visit the Secretariat of the SGSIA every year for updating the licence to record the payment of annual licence fee, and correspondingly amend the licence form prescribed in Schedule 2 to the Security and Guarding Services (Licensing) Regulation (Cap. 460B) (Licensing Regulation) to enable e-licensing for security companies.

After the implementation of e-licensing, there will be no change to the current regulatory regime for the issue of licence, the existing arrangements for payment of annual licence fee, and law enforcement and monitoring of security companies. Those paper licences that were already issued will remain valid until the expiry date or until the SGSIA provides electronic licences to the licensees, whichever is the earlier.

The Government has briefed major stakeholders, including licensees and key industry organisations of the security services industry, on the proposed arrangements and they welcome the convenience of e-licensing.

Under the Security and Guarding Services Ordinance (Cap. 460), a company supplying personnel to do security work for another person for reward must have a security company licence issued by the SGSIA, and the licence shall be in a form prescribed in Schedule 2 to the Licensing Regulation.

The Amendment Regulation is expected to become effective on 1 July 2023.

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202305/03/P2023050300435.htm.
 

Government welcomed passage of Inland Revenue (Amendment) (Tax Concessions for Family-owned Investment Holding Vehicles) Bill 2022

The Government welcomed the passage of the Inland Revenue (Amendment) (Tax Concessions for Family-owned Investment Holding Vehicles) Bill 2022 (the Bill) by the Legislative Council on 10 May 2023.

The Bill amends the Inland Revenue Ordinance (Cap. 112) to provide profits tax concessions for eligible family-owned investment holding vehicles (FIHVs) managed by single family offices (SFOs) in Hong Kong.

The Government is committed to creating a conducive and competitive environment for the businesses of global family offices to thrive in Hong Kong.  The Policy Statement on Developing Family Office Businesses in Hong Kong issued by the Government in March 2023 sets out the Government’s policy stance and measures tailored to the holistic and unique needs of family offices and asset owners.  As a key policy measure, the tax concession regime under the Bill will facilitate family offices to set up and operate in Hong Kong, create new business opportunities for the asset and wealth management sector, and generate demand for other related professional services.  This would foster Hong Kong's position as a premier family office hub and an international asset and wealth management centre.

The Bill exempts a FIHV's assessable profits earned from qualifying transactions and incidental transactions from payment of profits tax.  To attain the policy objective of bringing investment management and related activities to Hong Kong, the FIHV shall be managed by an eligible SFO and fulfil the minimum asset threshold of $240 million and substantial activities requirement.

The Bill as passed will become effective upon gazettal on 19 May.  The tax concession will be applicable to any years of assessment commencing on or after 1 April 2022.

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202305/10/P2023051000421.htm.
 

Official launch of Northbound Trading of Swap Connect

Northbound Trading of Swap Connect was officially launched on 15 May 2023.

Northbound Trading of Swap Connect provides a convenient and secure channel for international investors to trade interest rate swap products in the Mainland via a connection between infrastructure institutions in Hong Kong and the Mainland. The scheme aims to facilitate global investors' management of interest rate risks arising from their allocation to Mainland bonds.

The launch of Northbound Trading of Swap Connect is another new milestone in the financial co-operation between Hong Kong and the Mainland.  It will create favourable conditions for global investors to increase their participation in the onshore bond market, and carries special significance for enhancing the recognition of and confidence in Renminbi (RMB) bonds in the international market.  Northbound Trading of Swap Connect will also provide new opportunities for Hong Kong's financial institutions and strengthen Hong Kong's role as a global risk management centre and offshore RMB hub.

The HKMA will closely monitor the implementation of the Northbound Trading of Swap Connect together with relevant Hong Kong and Mainland regulators, and enhance operational arrangements in accordance with market development and investor needs.  The HKMA will continue to explore with Mainland authorities the provision of more diversified risk management tools to international investors.

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202305/15/P2023051500202.htm.
 

Shing Mun Tunnels and Lion Rock Tunnel to implement HKeToll from 5am on 21 and 28 May 2023 respectively

Shing Mun Tunnels and Lion Rock Tunnel will implement the HKeToll from 5am on 21 and 28 May 2023 respectively.  Motorists can drive through the toll plazas and pay tolls by the HKeToll, without having to stop or queue at toll booths for payment.

To tie in with the implementation of the HKeToll, temporary traffic arrangements will be implemented in phases in the vicinity of Shing Mun Tunnels starting from 11.30pm on 20 May.  Both directions of Shing Mun Tunnels will be closed from 4.30am to 5am on 21 May to facilitate the works to close the toll booth facilities, amend traffic signs and road markings, etc.  Traffic signs and road markings will be provided on site to guide motorists.  Three overnight bus routes and one green minibus route will be diverted via Tai Wai Tunnel, Sha Tin Heights Tunnel and Eagle's Nest Tunnel.  Taxi passengers travelling between Tsuen Wan and Sha Tin via Shing Mun Tunnels are advised to take urban taxis.  Please refer to Annex 1 (Shing Mun Tunnels) for the above-mentioned traffic and transport arrangements.

As for Lion Rock Tunnel, temporary traffic arrangements will be implemented from 10pm on 27 May.  Both directions of Lion Rock Tunnel and the slip roads leading to Lion Rock Tunnel on both-bounds of Lung Cheung Road will be closed from 4.30am to 5am on 28 May.  Five overnight bus routes and six green minibus routes will be diverted.  Please refer to Annex 1 (Lion Rock Tunnel) for the above-mentioned traffic and transport arrangements.

In addition, the Transport Department (TD) reminds that vehicle owners, who have used the Tsing Sha Control Area (Eagle's Nest Tunnel, Sha Tin Heights Tunnel and Tai Wai Tunnel) without paying toll after the implementation of the HKeToll, will receive an electronic notification on the seventh business day after passing through the tunnel, reminding them that they must pay the toll within 14 business days after passing through the tunnel.  After receiving such electronic notification, the vehicle owner should immediately log on to the HKeToll website (hketoll.gov.hk) or mobile app to check and pay the outstanding toll, either by credit card, by following the instructions to generate a QR code to either pay via the Faster Payment System or at 7-Eleven convenience stores by cash.  Payments of outstanding tolls can also be made at the four customer service centres and four service outlets.  Late payments will incur a surcharge.

Vehicle owners can select or delete the means of receiving electronic notifications according to their personal needs on the HKeToll website and mobile app to manage the electronic information to be received.

If vehicle owners need assistance, they can browse the HKeToll website, call the 24-hour customer service hotline 3853 7333, or visit the four customer service centres, four service outlets, two car park service counters, and consultation counters located at the designated MTR stations and the Home Affairs Enquiry Centres in the New Territories District Offices.  The locations and service hours of the above-mentioned facilities are shown in Annex 2.

With the progressive implementation of the HKeToll in Government tolled tunnels, the TD once again appeals to vehicle owners to complete the three steps for HKeToll service as soon as possible: (1) install a vehicle tag, (2) open an HKeToll account and (3) set up an automatic payment means, so as to fully enjoy the convenience of the HKeToll.

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202305/15/P2023051500167.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 Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Guangdong (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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