SUCCESS
E-newsletter
17 April 2024
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The Support and Consultation Centre for SMEs (SUCCESS) run by the Trade and Industry Department (TID) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (the Government of the HKSAR) provides small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with free business information and consultation services.
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 information and support services provided by the four SMEs centres and government departments from a single online platform.
The Government provides over 40 funding schemes with different funding scopes, amounts and requirements to promote and support the development of enterprises and industries in Hong Kong. The "Government Funding Schemes" web page of the SME Link features information on these 40+ funding schemes, including overview and useful hyperlinks. The web page's search tool supports multiple search filters to facilitate enterprises identifying suitable funding schemes.
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
2023-24 Hong Kong Awards for Industries (HKAI): Invitation for Entries
The 2023-24 HKAI, supported by the Government of the HKSAR, is now open for entries. Hong Kong companies in the manufacturing and services sectors are invited to join. The closing date for entries is 7 June 2024.
More Details and Relevant Press Release
"Four-in-One" Seminar Series
The four SMEs centres co-organise "Four-in-One" seminar series regularly. Themes of this seminar series in the first half of 2024 are "E-commerce", "Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)" and "Funding Schemes". Upcoming seminar and webinar related to "E-commerce" and “ESG” are listed below. Interested persons are welcome to register at the links shown therein. Admission is Free.
I. Introduction to the Mainland E-Commerce Platforms and Digital Marketing (Seminar)
(This seminar will be held at Trade and Industry Tower on 23 April 2024)
This seminar is held by the SUCCESS under the TID. This seminar will analyse the latest digital marketing trends in the Mainland of China, explain the purchasing behaviour of online consumers, and introduce the e-commerce website platforms in the Mainland. The seminar will also explore how Hong Kong enterprises can leverage the Mainland’s digital marketing, with a view to assisting SMEs in selecting the appropriate promotional methods and sales channels to enhance their marketing efficiency. (This seminar will be conducted in Cantonese.)
More Details and Registration
II. SME ReachOut Webinar – Driving Supply Chain Upgrades through Funding: Navigating ESG Integration and Transformation for Competitive Advantage (Webinar)
(This webinar will be live-streamed on 25 April 2024)
This webinar is held by the “SME ReachOut” of the HKPC. This webinar will explain how to make use of government funding schemes for upgrading and “Green” sustainability development, and share insights on strategies for supply chain excellence and environmental impact, including the latest trends of supply chain, practical applications in transformation and guide to ESG strategies, with a view to assisting SMEs in mastering the key strategies for “Dual-track” transformation to enhance their sustainable development capabilities. (This webinar will be conducted in Cantonese.)
More Details and Registration
Meeting the "BRANDers" – The Trade and Industrial Organisation Support Fund (TSF) – Interview with Hong Kong Screw & Fastener Council
To encourage and assist Hong Kong enterprises in developing their own brands and promoting their brands in the Mainland and overseas markets, the TID conducts interviews with representatives of local brands and experts so as to share their success stories and business strategies with the industries. The TID has earlier on interviewed Mr Tsui Ping Fai, Chairman of the Hong Kong Screw & Fastener Council (the Council), to understand more about the development of the Hong Kong screw industry, and how the Council has made use of the Trade and Industrial Organisation Support Fund to promote the smart processing capability of the industry in exploring the high value-added markets in the Mainland and overseas.
More Details (in Chinese only)
"Young Industrialist Awards of Hong Kong" (YIAH) & "Industrialist of the Year Award" (IOY) 2024 are now open for nominations
Federation of Hong Kong Industries (FHKI) launched the YIAH in 1988, which has awarded over 250 young industrialists, aged between 21 and 45 over the years. FHKI introduced the IOY in 2002 to honour an exemplary industrialist with outstanding achievements to Hong Kong’s industry and society each year.
The Awards give recognition to industrialists who have made distinguished contributions to Hong Kong’s economic and social development. The Awards also aim to enhance public recognition of industrial sector’s commitment to Hong Kong’s continuing prosperity and inspire more young people to build their career in industrial sectors so as to promote innovation and continue the sterling work of veteran industrialists.
YIAH & IOY 2024 are now open for nominations. The nomination deadline is 31 May 2024. For the details of eligibility and nomination procedures, please visit the Awards website www.yiah.org/en/.
Arrangements for adaptation period under regulation of disposable plastic tableware and other plastic products announced
The relevant legislation for the regulation of disposable plastic tableware and other plastic products will come into effect on 22 April 2024 (Monday, Earth Day), and the first six months following the implementation will be designated as an adaptation period. The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) announced on 12 April 2024 the arrangements for the adaptation period.
At a briefing session on 12 April 2024, the Director of Environmental Protection, Dr Samuel Chui, said that since the passage of the relevant legislation by the Legislative Council in October 2023, the EPD has been actively carrying out preparations and deployment plans for implementing the regulation. Upon the implementation of the new legislation, the EPD will adopt a progressive implementation model. During the six-month adaptation period, the EPD will arrange for staff to inspect relevant business premises, and will focus on promotion and education, as well as provide appropriate advice to help businesses to comply with the requirements under the new legislation. The EPD advises businesses to exhaust their stock of the regulated products within the adaptation period to avoid wastage, and source suitable alternatives as early as possible.
During the adaptation period, EPD officers will not take enforcement actions against non-compliant businesses. At the early stage of the adaptation period, the EPD will arrange for staff to proactively inspect 20 000 eateries and 20 000 retail stores as well as hotels and guesthouses in Hong Kong, and focus on publicity and education work. At a later stage of the adaptation period, the EPD will arrange for staff to visit those businesses which were found not yet compliant with the legislation, explain to them again the requirements of the legislation and give advice and information to them, with a view to helping them comply with the regulation after the adaptation period.
After the adaptation period, the priority of the EPD's implementation approach will continue to be education. If businesses are still found not complying with the legislation, the EPD will look into their individual circumstances and difficulties, and appropriate measures such as education, advice or warnings will be taken accordingly. For businesses with repeated non-compliance records, enforcement actions will be taken after taking into consideration the actual circumstances.
At the briefing session held on 12 April 2024, the EPD briefed the press on a series of publicity and education work items for the trades and the public on the commencement of the new regulation and the readiness of the trades. Representatives from tableware suppliers and hotel toiletries suppliers were also invited to exhibit non-plastic disposable tableware products and hotel toiletries alternatives.
In order to help the trade and the general public to understand the regulation, the EPD has started a series of publicity and education work, including visiting 20 000 small and medium-sized eateries, distributing sector-specific pamphlets to 11 000 retail companies and 1 800 hotels and guesthouses, holding around 50 sectoral training sessions, and launching the "Cut Plastic Use" thematic website (www.cuttheplastics.hk) with a dedicated page providing the hotel industry with information about suppliers of hotel toiletries alternatives and their products. The EPD also distributed Announcements in the Public Interest; promotional videos, posters and advertisements for relevant trades through various channels, as well as actively issused infographics via online platforms to clarify misunderstandings among the community to enhance public understanding of the regulation.
In response to the catering trade's concern on alternatives, the EPD has engaged the Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency since January 2022 to establish the Green Tableware Platform (www.greentableware.hk) to assist the trade in procuring compliant alternatives. The EPD is revamping the system with the introduction of a unique QR code for every product registered on the Platform, with a view to facilitating the trade's procurement. The suppliers could print the QR code on their products or products' packaging for the trades to recognise them as registered products.
Dr Chui said, "Plastic pollution has threatened the environment and ecology as well as human health. 'Plastic reduction' and 'plastic-free' have become an international consensus in recent years, and are also an international trend. Hong Kong also needs to keep up with the pace of being 'plastic-free'. The legislation doesn't target the general public, but only regulates the supply of products. There is no need for members of the public to worry about it. We will continue to help the trades adapt to the requirements of the new regulation, and appeal to members of the public to reduce the use of disposable plastic products, integrating the culture of 'plastic-and-disposable-free' into their daily lives."
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202404/12/P2024041200229.htm.
DoJ releases Action Plan on the Construction of Rule of Law in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area
The Department of Justice (DoJ) released on 12 April 2024 the Action Plan on the Construction of Rule of Law in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to set forth the guiding principle, the development direction and specific policy measures on the construction of rule of law in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) in the future.
The Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, said that the Action Plan is an important policy document. The first-time release of the Action Plan on the fifth anniversary of the promulgation of the Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area demonstrated the importance the DoJ attaches to its work relating to the GBA and its proactive and pragmatic approach. He said, "The DoJ will take action as a means and adopt a result-oriented approach to pursue in a pragmatic spirit the implementation of the Action Plan during the tenure of the current-term Government, with a view to contributing to the construction of rule of law in the GBA with concrete results."
Mr Lam pointed out that there are two key features in the Action Plan: underpinning the guiding principle of "Three Interfaces, Two Connects and One GBA", and strengthening collaboration with the legal and dispute resolution sectors and other stakeholders to effectively implement the various policy measures set out in the Action Plan.
The DoJ has been actively promoting the construction of rule of law in the GBA with a view to taking full advantage of the establishment of Hong Kong's position as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre in the Asia-Pacific region provided for under the Outline Development Plan, thereby enabling the GBA to capitalise on its unique strengths under "one country, two systems and three jurisdictions". By means of the interfaces of mechanisms, regulatory frameworks and talent constituting the "Three Interfaces", the DoJ will continue to proactively promote the connectivity of hardware and software in the construction of rule of law in the GBA, and the co-operation of various cities with their respective strengths and the collaboration of different legal systems in the GBA, thereby eventually achieving the goal of "One GBA".
As for the specific measures under the "Three Interfaces", the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Mr Cheung Kwok-kwan, who is the official on the Hong Kong side leading the working group on Guangdong-Hong Kong co-operation on legal and dispute resolution services as well as the working group on Hong Kong-Shenzhen legal co-operation, said that in relation to the interface of mechanisms, the DoJ will not only continue to make good use of the mechanisms already established with relevant ministries and stakeholders in the GBA, but will also proactively promote the establishment of a high-level GBA standing interface platform jointly with the Supreme People's Court to take forward the practical and research work on judicial and legal matters relating to the GBA, including closely following up on the implementation of various arrangements on mutual legal assistance in civil and commercial matters. At the same time, the DoJ will also promote the establishment of a GBA legal and dispute resolution services information platform to enable people and enterprises in the three places to obtain comprehensive and accurate information.
On the interface of regulatory frameworks, the DoJ has been taking steps to expand the scope of application of the measures "allowing Hong Kong-invested enterprises to adopt Hong Kong law" and "allowing Hong Kong-invested enterprises to choose for arbitration to be seated in Hong Kong" to enable legal and dispute resolution professionals of the area to complement each other for the promotion of market interface. To facilitate the interface of professional services, the department will also promote the formulation of best practices of GBA non-litigation dispute resolution rules to facilitate the interfacing and co-ordinating of different dispute resolution services in the GBA; make preparations for organising GBA mediators training programme in Hong Kong; set up a GBA online dispute resolution platform to facilitate the development of a multifaceted dispute resolution mechanism in the GBA; and continue to actively support Hong Kong mediation organisations to handle commercial mediation cases in the GBA in the form of "specially invited mediation organisations".
As for the interface of talent, the DoJ will also promote new measures, including the establishment of the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy to gather and nurture more foreign-related legal talent in the GBA; actively promote the establishment of a platform for GBA lawyers to empower the professional development of GBA lawyers more systematically; enable Hong Kong's legal sector to integrate into the construction of the GBA to build a competitive brand of legal services; and at the same time continue to organise various visits and exchanges to promote the flow and foster synergy and development of GBA legal talent.
Mr Lam emphasised that the DoJ will continue to deepen co-operation among stakeholders from different sectors, including establishing standing and effective interface mechanisms with relevant Mainland authorities, and continue to listen to the views of the legal and dispute resolution sectors and other stakeholders, encourage the sectors to open up new opportunities, and at the same time assist them to establish a platform for exchanges and collaboration so as to achieve integrated development through extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, contributing to the country's key strategic development.
The Action Plan on the Construction of Rule of Law in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area is available on the DoJ website at www.doj.gov.hk/en/publications/pdf/gba_action_plan_en.pdf.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202404/12/P2024041200207.htm?fontSize=1.
Global Talent Summit · Hong Kong to be held on 7 and 8 May 2024
Hong Kong Talent Engage (HKTE) announced on 11 April 2024 that the Global Talent Summit · Hong Kong will be held on 7 and 8 May 2024 in the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The Chief Executive set out in the 2023 Policy Address that a summit would be organised to promote regional exchanges and co-operation in talent attraction. The Director of HKTE, Mr Anthony Lau, said, "The Summit will bring together international and Mainland leaders from political, academic, business and other sectors to exchange trends and experiences in talent development, with a view to promoting Hong Kong's dual role and advantages as an international talent hub and our country's gateway for talent."
The Summit will comprise three parts, namely the International Talent Forum on 7 May 2024, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area High-quality Talent Development Conference on 8 May 2024 and the CareerConnect Expo to be held on both days concurrently. The Summit will bring together Mainland and overseas government representatives, scholars, business leaders and representatives of various trades and human resources agencies, aiming to showcase Hong Kong's distinctive advantages of enjoying the strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world under the "one country, two systems" principle, as well as the charm of an international talent hub to the world. The Summit will also promote talent exchanges and co-operation in the international arena and the GBA to forge ahead with the high-quality development of Hong Kong and the GBA, and build a superb talent hub in the region together.
In addition, the Expo will enable international, local and regional strategic enterprises and partners to present to participants and global talent the opportunities of Hong Kong and the Mainland as well as development prospects of various sectors. The Expo is now open for preregistration for talent who have arrived in the city and members of the public through the Summit's website (www.hkengage.gov.hk/GlobalTalentSummit). They can access the venue with a QR Code on a selected date. The Forum and the Conference will be webcast live to domestic and foreign talent, and to the public.
HKTE has also expanded its digital and social media platforms from WeChat and LinkedIn to Facebook and Instagram. Exhibitors, arriving talent and the public may refer to the Summit's website or the above platforms for the latest updates of the Summit and the Expo. Enquiries may be sent via email to gts@hkengage.gov.hk.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202404/11/P2024041100269.htm?fontSize=1.
Anti-Scam Consumer Protection Charter 2.0
Following the launch of the Anti-Scam Consumer Protection Charter in 2023, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) announced on 10 April 2024, in collaboration with the Hong Kong Association of Banks (HKAB), the launch of the Anti-Scam Consumer Protection Charter 2.0 (the Charter 2.0). With the participation of more institutions and merchants, the expanded coverage of the Charter will further assist the public in guarding against credit card scams and other digital frauds.
Over 230 financial institutions and merchant institutions participate in the Charter 2.0, covering different aspects of the public's daily lives, including banking, insurance, mandatory provident fund (MPF), securities and futures industries, food and beverage, logistics, transport, travel, and retail sectors. The Charter 2.0 has received full support from the Airport Authority, the Consumer Council, the Hong Kong Police Force, the Insurance Authority, the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority, the Securities and Futures Commission, and the Travel Industry Authority.
The Charter 2.0 focuses on four key principles to assist the public in identifying credit card scams and other digital frauds as well as guarding against phishing messages purportedly to be sent by financial institutions and merchant institutions. Participating institutions commit not to send any instant electronic messages to customers with embedded hyperlinks to acquire bank, credit card, investment, insurance and MPF account or other key personal information online, and to convey anti-scam education messages.
The Chief Executive of the HKMA, Mr Eddie Yue, said, "We are very pleased that the Anti-Scam Consumer Protection Charter launched last year received support and positive feedback from the community. This year, we have taken another step in launching the Charter 2.0 and inviting more financial institutions and merchants from various sectors to participate, enhancing the strength and effectiveness of public protection through concerted efforts. As the Charter expands to cover a wider range of aspects of people's daily lives, we hope to enhance the public's ability to guard against scams through a multi-pronged approach in conjunction with various anti-scam measures of the HKMA."
During the event, Deputy Chief Executive of the HKMA, Mr Arthur Yuen, along with representatives of the HKAB and supporting organisations, shared the latest landscape of scam activities and the measures implemented by institutions to prevent scams, reflecting the efforts of various sectors in tackling the modus operandi of scams to protect the public from falling prey to them. The HKMA once again reminds the public not to click on links indiscriminately, and to exercise caution when handling any suspicious links.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202404/10/P2024040900490.htm?fontSize=1.
TD to invite applications for Taxi Fleet Licence
The Transport Department (TD) announced on 10 April 2024 that the department will invite interested parties to apply for the Taxi Fleet Licence from 12 April 2024, with a deadline of noon on 31 May 2024. Having considered the response of the trade and balanced the need to ensure the quality of taxi fleets, no more than five taxi fleet licences are intended to be issued in this invitation.
The Government earlier launched a series of measures to enhance the overall quality of personalised point-to-point transport services, including the introduction of a taxi fleet regime. The relevant legislation has come into force since 22 December 2023.
A Government spokesman said, "We hope that through the introduction of the taxi fleet regime, taxi fleets providing quality service will set a leading and exemplary role in the trade and foster healthy competition among different taxi fleets, as well as taxi fleets and non-fleet taxis, and gradually change the trade's ecology through market evolution. This will encourage the taxi trade to strive for excellence, and enhance the standard of services and the image of the trade for the benefit of passengers, drivers and society as a whole."
Under the taxi fleet regime, the TD will issue Taxi Fleet Licences and regulate the operation and management of taxi fleets through licensing conditions, including the requirements in relation to fleet size, age of vehicles and services to be provided by fleet licensees, such as the provision of online booking channels (including mobile applications and websites) and e-payment means, as well as the installation of CCTV systems and technological devices to enhance driving safety inside the compartments. The taxis must not be more than 3 years old when they join the fleets and must not be more than 10 years old throughout the license period. As regards the fleet size, a mixed or urban taxi fleet shall have 300 to 1 000 taxis, while a New Territories taxi fleet shall have 100 to 350 taxis.
The spokesman continued, "To encourage participation of the trade, the TD will implement a number of measures to facilitate the operation of taxi fleets. In terms of fares, taxi fleets are allowed to set their own fares for booked trips, which may be in the form of a pre-agreed booking fee on top of the metered fare, or a lump sum fare agreed with the passenger before the journey starts. Fleet licensees are also allowed to design the livery and marking of their fleet taxis (subject to the approval of the Commissioner for Transport). The Government will also publicise the licensed taxi fleets through its official channels and designate a few dozen fleet taxi stopping places at the airport, some of the boundary control points (including the Heung Yuen Wai Port, the Shenzhen Bay Port and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Port), the West Kowloon Station of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link, some of the Airport Express Stations, the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, the Hong Kong Disneyland, etc, to facilitate fleet taxis' picking up of passengers who have booked a journey. The TD will continue to identify suitable locations for setting up more designated stopping places for fleet taxis."
Also, the Government has identified two sites in Tsing Yi and Tai Po respectively and plans to grant the sites on a short-term basis for co-use by taxi fleet licensees for purposes such as parking and basic maintenance. This will help the fleet licensees provide better maintenance and management for their fleet taxis and enhance service quality.
Moreover, the Government will encourage the taxi fleets to conduct research and apply technology to enhance the safety and quality of taxi services through the Smart Traffic Fund. The Management Committee on Smart Traffic Fund has earlier agreed in principle to set up a new "Research and Application" project type under the fund for fleet licensees to apply for funding. Fleet licensees will be required to set out the research objectives of their project in the application for approval by the Management Committee, and undertake to use the funded equipment (e.g. fleet management systems and technological devices) to collect operational and driving safety data of their fleet taxis and conduct analysis, with a view to enhancing the quality of taxi services, improving driving safety of the drivers and enhancing operational efficiency of taxi services. The maximum amount of grant for each fleet licensee is $10 million, with the maximum percentage of subsidy being 70 per cent of the estimated cost of the project. The duration of the funded project should normally not exceed two years. The details will be announced separately.
Application details and conditions for the taxi fleet licence are subject to the invitation documents. Interested parties can obtain the invitation documents from the office of Taxi Section of the Transport Department on 14/F South Tower, West Kowloon Government Offices, 11 Hoi Ting Road, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon (Tel.: 3842 5820; Fax: 2824 2176) during office hours from 11am on 12 April 2024 (Friday), or download them from the TD website (www.td.gov.hk/en/transport_in_hong_kong/public_transport/taxi/index.html).
Applicants must complete and submit the form of application, service proposal and relevant supporting documents (one original and seven legible photocopies) in accordance with the terms and conditions of the invitation documents. The application should be submitted in a sealed envelope with "Application for Taxi Fleet Licence 2024" clearly marked on the envelope. Applications must be deposited in the Transport Department Tender Box situated at the reception counter of the Transport Department Headquarters on 10/F South Tower, West Kowloon Government Offices, 11 Hoi Ting Road, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon, before noon on 31 May 2024 (Friday). Late applications or applications not deposited in the Transport Department Tender Box will not be accepted.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202404/10/P2024041000190.htm?fontSize=1.
Home and Youth Affairs Bureau launches new rounds of funding schemes for youth innovation and entrepreneurship
The Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) and the Youth Development Commission (YDC) jointly launched new rounds of the Funding Scheme for Youth Entrepreneurship in the GBA and the Funding Scheme for Experiential Programmes at Innovation and Entrepreneurial Bases under the Youth Development Fund on 8 April 2024. Eligible non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are invited to submit applications.
In his 2023 Policy Address, the Chief Executive emphasised that the Government will sustain its efforts in promoting youth development and will continue to implement and enhance the Youth Development Blueprint. Some of the measures covered in the Blueprint encourage and support Hong Kong youth in pursuing innovation and entrepreneurship.
The Funding Scheme for Youth Entrepreneurship in the GBA subsidises NGOs to implement youth entrepreneurship projects. It provides young people who are interested in starting their businesses in Hong Kong and the Mainland cities of the GBA with start-up capital as well as entrepreneurial support and incubation services, so as to assist them to tackle the difficulties they encounter during the inception stage and support them through the establishment and development of their businesses. Under the last round of the scheme, the funded NGOs recruited a total of 217 youth start-up teams. All of them have started their businesses in Hong Kong, and over 70 of them have established a presence in Mainland cities of the GBA such as Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Zhuhai.
In addition, to further encourage young people to explore entrepreneurial opportunities in the vast Mainland market, the HYAB and the YDC launched the Funding Scheme for Experiential Programmes at Innovation and Entrepreneurial Bases, the scope of which has expanded from the Mainland cities of the GBA to all provinces and municipalities on the Mainland. The scheme provides a subsidy for NGOs to organise experiential programmes at innovation and entrepreneurial bases on the Mainland, so as to enable Hong Kong young people to gain deeper understanding of the innovation and entrepreneurial bases and the relevant policies and support measures on innovation and entrepreneurship on the Mainland. This will in turn facilitate their consideration of settling in the relevant entrepreneurial bases in future.
The details of the two funding schemes have been uploaded onto the website of the YDC (www.ydc.gov.hk/en/programmes/startup/fund.html). Interested NGOs should submit their application(s) before the following deadlines:
(a) For the Funding Scheme for Youth Entrepreneurship in the GBA: on or before 7 June 2024
(b) For the Funding Scheme for Experiential Programmes at Innovation and Entrepreneurial Bases: on or before 17 May 2024
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202404/08/P2024040800480.htm.
Rates and Government rent due 30 April 2024
Demand notes for rates and/or Government rent for the quarter from April to June 2024 have been issued, and payment should be made by 30 April 2024.
The demand notes have reflected the rates concession for this quarter, subject to a ceiling of $1,000 for each rateable tenement. Any unused portion of the concession in this quarter will not be used to offset the outstanding rates in any other quarter. The concession does not apply to payment of Government rent.
These demand notes show the rateable values following the 2024-25 General Revaluation. Members of the public wishing to object to the new rateable value may lodge a proposal in the specified form (R20A) with the Commissioner of Rating and Valuation not later than 31 May. Objection can also be made by submitting an electronic form (e-R20A) using the Electronic Submission of Forms service provided on the department website (www.rvd.gov.hk). Irrespective of whether an objection has been made, rates and/or Government rent must be paid by the last day for payment.
Payment can be made:
(1) by using autopay, PPS, bank automated teller machines (ATMs), the Faster Payment System (FPS) or Internet banking;
(2) by uploading an e-Cheque/e-Cashier's Order via the Pay e-Cheque portal: www.payecheque.gov.hk;
(3) by sending a crossed cheque to the Treasury, PO Box No. 28000, Sham Shui Po Post Office, Hong Kong (please note that mail with insufficient postage will be rejected); or
(4) in person at any of the post offices or designated convenience stores in Hong Kong (i.e. 7-Eleven, Circle K, VanGo or U select). For the addresses and opening hours of post offices, please call Hongkong Post's enquiry hotline on 2921 2222 or visit its website: www.hongkongpost.hk.
If payers have not received the demand notes, they may obtain replacement demand notes or enquire as to the amount payable by (i) visiting the Rating and Valuation Department website: www.rvd.gov.hk; (ii) calling 2152 0111; (iii) fax 2152 0113; or (iv) visiting in person at the Rating and Valuation Department, 15/F, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon.
Non-receipt or late receipt of demand note does not alter the requirement that the total amount due must be paid on or before 30 April 2024. A surcharge of 5 per cent will be imposed for late payment. A further surcharge of 10 per cent will be levied on the amount (including the 5 per cent surcharge) which remains unpaid six months after the last day for payment.
For payment by autopay, the rates and/or Government rent will be debited from payers' bank accounts on 30 April 2024. Payers should ensure that there are sufficient funds in their bank accounts to meet the payments on that date until settlement.
To support environmental protection, payers are advised to utilise the Rating and Valuation Department's free eRVD Bill service to receive e-bills and make payments. Payers are also encouraged to settle bills by autopay or other means of e-payment (e.g. PPS, ATMs, Internet banking or e-Cheque/e-Cashier Order) in order to save queuing time. Application forms for autopay are obtainable from the Rating and Valuation Department, District Offices and major banks in Hong Kong or by telephoning 2152 0111. Payers may also download the form from the Rating and Valuation Department website.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202404/05/P2024040300223.htm.
New measures to strengthen control of cats for sale
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has implemented the Licence Conditions and Code of Practice for cat trading since 1 April 2024, to ensure that cats put up for sale by animal traders should be obtained from approved sources and microchipped.
A spokesman for the AFCD said on 2 April 2024 that the newly introduced Licence Conditions and Code of Practice were aimed at tightening the control of cats offered for sale by animal traders, to safeguard public health and animal welfare.
In view of the Licence Conditions and Code of Practice, the AFCD conducted consultation with stakeholders including animal traders and the Animal Welfare Advisory Group.
To allow the animal trade to familiarise itself with the new requirements and make necessary preparation, the AFCD issued letters to licensed animal traders in 2023 to explain to them in details of the implementation of the Licence Conditions and Code of Practice.
The newly introduced Licence Conditions stipulate that all cats for sale by animal traders must be from the following sources:
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legal imports into Hong Kong;
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other licensed animal traders; and
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private pet owners.
"All animal traders are required to keep all documents detailing the sources of cats acquired and make them available for inspection by the AFCD or authorised agencies. The AFCD will continue to step up liaison with veterinarians in private practice to facilitate their understanding of the new arrangements," the spokesman said.
The AFCD will step up inspection of animal traders. If any animal trader is found to be in breach of the Licence Conditions or Code of Practice, he is liable to a fine and/or suspension of their licences.
The AFCD reminds the public that all cats sold by licensed animal traders must be microchipped. The implementation arrangements of the Licence Conditions and Code of Practice have been uploaded to AFCD's website (www.pets.gov.hk/english/highlights/COP_Cat_Traders.html). Members of the public can also call 1823 for enquiries.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202404/02/P2024040200721.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.
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SME ReachOut
“SME ReachOut”, a dedicated service team operated by HKPC, has commenced operation since 1 January 2020 to enhance SMEs’ understanding of the Government’s funding schemes, with a view to encouraging better utilisation of the support provided by the Government. The team would help SMEs identify funding schemes that suit their needs, and answer questions relating to applications.
The Government has allocated $100 million to HKPC to gradually enhance the services of “SME ReachOut” in the ensuing five years starting from 2023. HKPC has enhanced the services of “SME ReachOut” in October 2023, including arranging visits to more chambers of commerce, commercial and industrial buildings and co-working spaces, and increasing the publicity in social media so as to step up the promotion of government funding schemes. At the same time, more one-on-one consultation sessions will be provided to assist SMEs in applying for government funding and building their capacities, focusing on areas such as ESG, technology transformation, digitalisation and cyber security, with a view to enhancing their competitiveness through leveraging new technologies.
For further information or enquiries on “SME ReachOut”, please contact “SME ReachOut” Hotline / WhatsApp (Text Message Only) at 2788 6868 or email by sme_reachout@hkpc.org or visit https://smereachout.hkpc.org/en.
Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading and Domestic Sales (BUD Fund)
Following the signing of the Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement between Hong Kong and Bahrain, the geographical scope of funding support of the BUD Fund has been extended to Bahrain with effect from 3 March 2024 to further support Hong Kong enterprises in developing their businesses in the market. The total number of economies covered under the BUD Fund is thereby increased to 391 .
The HKPC as the BUD Fund implementation partner regularly organises seminars/webinars in order to enhance enterprises’ understanding of the BUD Fund, including "Easy BUD". For more details of the BUD Fund, please visit its website (www.bud.hkpc.org/en) or contact the HKPC at 2788 6088.
1Besides the newly added economy of Bahrain, the other 38 economies covered under the BUD Fund are the Mainland, New Zealand, the four member states of the European Free Trade Association (i.e. Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland), Chile, Macao, the ten member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (comprising Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam), Georgia, Australia, Austria, Belgo-Luxembourg Economic Union, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Kuwait, Mexico, the Netherlands, Sweden, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.
Business News
GDETO Newsletter
The latest issue of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Guangdong (GDETO) Newsletter has been published.
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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.
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