SUCCESS
E-newsletter
26 June 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
SUCCESS-supported Activity
“Deconstructing ESG from the Perspective of Brand Stakeholders” (Seminar)
(This seminar will be held at the CMA Building on 8 July 2024)
This seminar is organised by the Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong (CMA) and the Hong Kong Brand Development Council. SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations. This seminar will share sustainable development issues that have attracted global and the country's attention, and deconstruct Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) from the perspective of brand stakeholders, with a view to assisting enterprises in formulating effective strategies and improving ESG performance from a comprehensive perspective. (This seminar will be conducted in Cantonese.)
More Details (in Chinese only)
Intellectual Property Department: IP Training Programmes “IP102 IP Management and Protection in the Mainland” and “IP201 Generative AI - IP concept and legal considerations”
(IP102 will be live-streamed and held at the VTC Tower, Wan Chai on 10 July 2024)
(IP201 will be live-streamed and held at the VTC Tower, Wan Chai on 19 July 2024)
These two intellectual property (IP) courses offered by the Intellectual Property Department (IPD) are now open for registration.
“IP102 IP Management and Protection in the Mainland” aims to introduce the registration or application methods, protection mechanisms, management strategies and enforcement actions of different IP rights in the Mainland of China, allowing participants to fully grasp the fundamental knowledge of IP system in the Mainland. (The medium of instruction will be Cantonese, supplemented with English terms.)
“IP201 Generative AI - IP concept and legal considerations” aims to introduce the involvement of IP in the Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), enabling participants to understand IP concept and potential legal issues associated with Generative AI, thereby enhancing their ability to protect enterprises’ IP rights. (The medium of instruction will be Cantonese, supplemented with English terms.)
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 courses is waived for members of the Scheme. Participants will receive a certificate upon completion of the respective training course.
More Details and Registration for IP102
More Details and Registration for IP201
Hong Kong and Armenia enter into tax pact
Hong Kong signed a comprehensive avoidance of double taxation agreement (CDTA) with Armenia in Yerevan on 24 June 2024 (Yerevan time), signifying the sustained efforts of the HKSAR Government in expanding Hong Kong's CDTA network, in particular with tax jurisdictions participating in the Belt and Road Initiative.
The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, said, "This CDTA is the 50th agreement that Hong Kong has concluded. It marks a major milestone in the Government's drive to expand Hong Kong's tax treaty network. We will continue to sign CDTAs with more trading and investment partners to promote closer economic and trade ties between Hong Kong and the rest of the world. This will enhance the attractiveness of Hong Kong as a business and investment hub, and consolidate the city's status as an international economic and trade centre.
"This CDTA sets out the allocation of taxing rights between Hong Kong and Armenia and will help investors better assess their potential tax liabilities from cross-border economic activities. I have every confidence that the CDTA will encourage the business sectors of both sides to do business or make investments."
In accordance with the Hong Kong-Armenia CDTA, Hong Kong companies can enjoy double taxation relief in that any tax paid in Armenia, whether directly or by deduction, will be allowed as a credit against the tax payable in Hong Kong in respect of the same income, subject to the provisions of the tax laws of Hong Kong.
Moreover, Armenia's withholding tax rate for Hong Kong residents on dividends will be capped at 0 per cent or 5 per cent (depending on the percentage of their shareholdings), while that on interest and royalties will be capped at 5 per cent.
The Commissioner of Inland Revenue, Mr Tam Tai-pang, signed the CDTA on behalf of the HKSAR Government with the Government of Armenia on the margins of the Sixth High-level meeting of the Asia Initiative hosted by Armenia. Representing the Government of Armenia was the Minister of Finance of Armenia, Mr Vahe Hovhannisyan.
The CDTA will come into force after the completion of ratification procedures by both jurisdictions. In Hong Kong's case, it will be implemented by way of an order to be made by the Chief Executive in Council under the Inland Revenue Ordinance (Cap. 112). The order is subject to negative vetting by the Legislative Council.
The Asia Initiative was launched by the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development in 2021. It focuses on developing tailored solutions to ensure the implementation of tax transparency standards across Asia and enhancing regional co-operation. To date, Hong Kong and 16 other tax jurisdictions have joined the Asia Initiative.
Details of the Hong Kong-Armenia CDTA can be found on the Inland Revenue Department's website (www.ird.gov.hk/eng/pdf/Agreement_Armenia_HongKong.pdf).
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202406/24/P2024062400510.htm?fontSize=1.
Seminar on banking sector's support measures for SMEs
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), the Hong Kong Association of Banks (HKAB) and the Chinese Banking Association of Hong Kong co-organised a seminar on the banking sector's support measures for SMEs on 24 June 2024, which was successfully concluded. Supporting organisations included the TID's SUCCESS, The Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited, The Chinese Banks' Association, Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation (HKECIC) and HKPC. The seminar brought together 200 representatives from the banking sector, trade associations and chambers and SME operators (see Annex 1), who have actively exchanged views on the banking sector's support measures as well as diverse services for SMEs.
Since the introduction of the nine SME support measures by the HKMA and the Banking Sector SME Lending Coordination Mechanism on 28 March 2024, around 7 000 SMEs have benefitted from the measures, involving an aggregate credit limit of over HK$15 billion. The seminar on 24 June enabled the banking sector to further understand the needs of SMEs, while at the same time strengthened customers' awareness of the support measures.
The three panel discussions covered topics including how banks leverage financial technology, including the HKMA's Interbank Account Data Sharing (IADS) initiative, to help SMEs obtain bank financing in an easier and faster manner, and how banks support the business transformation of SMEs. Several SME operators shared experiences and success stories of how they have benefitted from the banks' support in branching out into other markets and expanding their business to different regions (see Annex 2).
The HKMA will continue to maintain close communication and exchange with the banking and commercial sectors to support the continuous development of SMEs.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202406/24/P2024062400454.htm?fontSize=1.
Hong Kong Police Force launches "HKP e-Licence" mobile application
Police Licensing Office (PLO) of the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) launched "HKP e-Licence" mobile application on 24 June 2024 for issuing electronic licences and permits, providing applicants with further convenience through e-service.
All eight types of licences and permits processed by the PLO will be issued through the application. They are:
(1) Arms Licence,
(2) Massage Establishments Licence,
(3) Playing Musical Instrument Permit in Public Street or Road,
(4) Pawnbrokers Licence,
(5) Temporary Liquor Licence,
(6) Lion/Dragon/Unicorn Dance Permit,
(7) Security Personnel Permit, and
(8) Societies Registration.
Since the launch of the "Licensing e-Service" platform by the HKPF in 2022, members of the public have been able to make online applications and payments for the abovementioned licences or permits. Licence/permit holders can now access their approved licences and permits at any time through "HKP e-Licence", which also features a push notification function to remind users to renew their licences or permits.
Besides, the paper form of licences and permits will continue to be available after the launch of "HKP e-Licence" in order to allow licence and permit holders to keep a paper copy if they so preferred. Both electronic and paper licences/permits contain identical information with QR codes, and the holders can present either format for inspection by enforcement officers.
"HKP e-licence" supports iOS and Android operating systems. Members of the public can download it from Apple App Store, Google Play and HUAWEI AppGallery. More information on the application can be found on the PLO’s website: www.police.gov.hk/licensing.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202406/24/P2024062400363.htm?fontSize=1.
EDB launches electronic certificates of school registration in phases
The Education Bureau (EDB) announced on 24 June 2024 that starting from 1 July 2024, newly issued Certificates of Registration of a School and Certificates of Provisional Registration of a School will fully adopt an electronic version with an e-Proof and a digital signature to replace the existing manually signed or stamped paper certificates. The EDB will also renew the paper certificates in phases.
An EDB spokesman said, "In line with the Government's policy objective of providing more electronic public services, new electronic certificates of school registration offer greater convenience to the school sector and the public. Once the school's application for registration is approved, the school supervisor will instantly and conveniently receive an electronic certificate of school registration in portable document format (pdf) by email for downloading and printing, without the need to visit the EDB's office in person for collection of the certificate."
Electronic and paper certificates of school registration carry the same legal status and information, namely the registration number, school name and address, date of issue, period of validity (if applicable) and signature of the responsible EDB officer. Schools are required to exhibit a printout of the electronic certificate in the same manner as the paper certificate.
Each Certificate of Registration of a School and Certificate of Provisional Registration of a School contains an e-Proof QR code. The public may access the e-Proof website (www.eproof.gov.hk) of the Government by mobile phone and scan the QR code of the electronic certificates to verify the validity of the certificates.
For schools with paper certificates, the EDB will conduct a replacement exercise in phases from September for them to obtain an electronic certificate at no cost. Schools will receive the EDB's written notice about the replacement exercise in due course. Information on the electronic certificates of school registration and the schedule of the replacement exercise are available on the EDB website (www.edb.gov.hk/en/sch-admin/sch-registration/about-sch-registration/e_licensing.html).
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202406/24/P2024062400303.htm?fontSize=1.
Enhancements to Code of Practice on Person-to-Person Marketing Calls
The HKMA welcomes the launch of the revised Code of Practice on Person-to-Person Marketing Calls (the Code) by the HKAB and the DTC Association (DTCA) on 21 June 2024.
The Code provides guidance to Authorized Institutions (AIs) in undertaking telemarketing activities with a view to promoting good banking practices. The latest revision sets a limit on the frequency of person-to-person marketing calls (Note 1) made to the same telephone number to no more than three calls in a calendar week. This will enhance telemarketing experience of the public. On top of this, the Code also provides guidance to AIs on other major areas to protect the public, for example, confining hours of making calls to 9am to 10pm; providing clear identity of the callers and purpose of calls to the called parties; handling requests for unsubscribing marketing calls; controls over collection of information from the called parties and arrangement for any subsequent meetings; and mechanism for handling of complaints.
The Code is jointly issued by the HKAB and the DTCA. The enhanced Code is effective from 21 June 2024. The HKMA expects all AIs to follow the enhanced guidance as soon as practicable in accordance with the implementation timeline prescribed in the Code.
Note 1: Excluding "warm calls" which broadly refer to calls whereby the AI is able to identify the called party with prior contact.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202406/21/P2024062100453.htm?fontSize=1.
Government proposes amendments to update regulations on merchant shipping safety to comply with international standards
The Government gazetted on 21 June 2024 a proposal comprising the introduction of a new Merchant Shipping (Safety) (Ships Carrying Industrial Personnel) Regulation under the Merchant Shipping (Safety) Ordinance (Cap. 369) (the Safety Ordinance) and amendments to the Schedule to the Safety Ordinance to incorporate into local legislation the latest relevant requirements of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea of the International Maritime Organization.
The proposed amendments aim to provide safety standards for ships that carry industrial personnel and for the personnel themselves, and to address specific risks of maritime operations within the offshore and energy sectors.
A spokesman for the Transport and Logistics Bureau said, "As a major member of the international maritime community, Hong Kong has been a staunch supporter of maritime safety, sparing no effort in safeguarding the safety of industrial personnel engaged in maritime operations in line with the relevant international standards. The proposed legislative amendments demonstrate our continual commitment in this regard."
The Panel on Economic Development of the Legislative Council, as well as the Hong Kong Fleet Operation Advisory Committee of the Marine Department, have been consulted on the legislative proposal. Members supported the proposal.
The proposed legislative amendments will be tabled at the Legislative Council on 26 June 2024 for negative vetting.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202406/21/P2024062100231.htm?fontSize=1.
Regulation of medical gases as pharmaceutical products
The Department of Health (DH) said on 17 June 2024 that the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong (the Board) has endorsed the regulation of medical gases as pharmaceutical products under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap. 138) (the Ordinance) with effect from 14 June 2026.
In September 2023, the Board agreed that medical gases should be regulated as pharmaceutical products under the Ordinance after taking into account the regulatory control of medical gases in other jurisdictions and the current situation in Hong Kong. In this connection, a public consultation had been conducted by the DH in November last year for collecting views and comments from the public and relevant stakeholders.
Noting that the overall responses were in support of the regulatory control of medical gases, the Board has decided at its meeting on 14 June 2024, to regulate medical gases as pharmaceutical products under the Ordinance by giving two years' preparatory time (i.e. from 14 June 2024 to 13 June 2026) for the trade to apply for relevant licences and registration of their products. The Board has also promulgated relevant Guidance Notes and details are available at the Board's website (www.ppbhk.org.hk/eng/index.html).
The DH has started issuing letters to inform relevant traders and stakeholders about the aforesaid regulation. When the new regulatory control takes effect, the medical gases, as pharmaceutical products, have to be registered with the Board before they can be legally sold or supplied in Hong Kong. In addition, traders of the pharmaceutical products must obtain relevant licence(s) from the Board before conducting manufacture, wholesale (including import and export) of pharmaceutical products and retail sales of pharmaceutical products containing poisons. According to the Ordinance, illegal possession or sale of unregistered pharmaceutical products or prescription drugs, and manufacture, wholesale of pharmaceutical products and retail sales of pharmaceutical products containing poisons without relevant licences are criminal offences. The maximum penalty for each offence is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment upon conviction.
For relevant information on the Regulation of Medical Gases, please visit the website of the Drug Office of the DH (www.drugoffice.gov.hk/eps/do/en/pharmaceutical_trade/medical_gases_regulation.html).
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202406/17/P2024061700547.htm.
Government announces Strategy of Hydrogen Development in Hong Kong
The Government announced the Strategy of Hydrogen Development in Hong Kong (the Hydrogen Strategy) on 17 June 2024.
Announcing the Hydrogen Strategy on 17 June 2024, the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, said, "To tackle the challenge of climate change, the world is striving to phase out fossil fuels and accelerate energy transition. Hydrogen energy is regarded as a low-carbon energy with development potential, and countries around the world are actively promoting the development of the hydrogen energy industry. With a solid foundation for developing the hydrogen energy industry, our country has stated clearly that hydrogen would be an important component of the national energy system in the future. Seizing the opportunities brought about by the development of hydrogen energy can help Hong Kong strive towards carbon neutrality, develop a new quality productive force and maintain international competitiveness."
To prepare for opportunities presented by the development of hydrogen energy, the Government has set up an Inter-departmental Working Group on Using Hydrogen as Fuel (the Working Group) in 2022, comprising more than 10 bureaux and professional departments, to remove barriers and facilitate commencement of local hydrogen applications. The Working Group has assisted in formulating interim standards for hydrogen applications in Hong Kong and has given agreement-in-principle to 14 projects. These projects, which include cross-boundary hydrogen transportation, supply facilities, as well as applications in transport, construction sites and remote areas, etc, have commenced progressively.
Having reviewed various considerations, the Government has formulated the Hydrogen Strategy to address the technical challenges in the six major areas of safety, suitable technologies, infrastructure, cost effectiveness, capacity building and public acceptance, as well as the unique situation of Hong Kong. The Strategy sets out the four major strategies of improving legislations, establishing standards, aligning with the market, and advancing with prudence to create an environment conducive to the development of hydrogen energy in Hong Kong in a prudent and orderly manner, so that Hong Kong would be able to capitalise on the environmental and economic opportunities brought about by the recent developments of hydrogen energy in different parts of the world, the country in particular. It can also help Hong Kong broaden co-operation with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and even the world, integrate into the country's overall development, and develop a new quality productive force.
According to the Hydrogen Strategy, the Government will introduce legislative amendments in the first half of 2025 to provide a legal basis for regulating the manufacture, storage, transport, supply and use of hydrogen used or intended to be used as fuel, and formulate the approach for certifying a hydrogen standard that aligns with international practices by 2027. The Government will also promote regional co-operation, investment outside Hong Kong, development or importation of hydrogen through joint ventures; leverage on Hong Kong's distinctive advantages of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world to promote Hong Kong as a demonstration base for the development of hydrogen energy in the country; facilitate the development of the hydrogen industry in the Belt and Road region; and, in collaboration with Invest Hong Kong and relevant bureaux and departments, capitalise on Hong Kong's roles as a "super connector" and "super value-adder" to reach out to overseas and Mainland potential enterprises and talent to promote Hong Kong's business opportunities arising from hydrogen energy development.
Regarding the implementation of the Hydrogen Strategy, the Government will expand the roles and functions of the Working Group. In addition to examining and approving future trial projects, the Working Group will also co-ordinate the development and continuous enhancement of the relevant technical standards and guidelines for hydrogen applications; advise on the pathway for wider application and commercialisation of various hydrogen projects; provide support for local infrastructure developments and capacity building for hydrogen applications; assist in the promotion of the popularisation of hydrogen applications; and regularly review the implementation progress and update the Hydrogen Strategy.
The full text of the Strategy has been uploaded to the Carbon Neutrality and Sustainable Development website of the Environment and Ecology Bureau (cnsd.gov.hk/strategy-of-hydrogen-development-in-hong-kong_booklet_en.pdf).
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202406/17/P2024061700427.htm.
Extension of operating hours for fresh produce imported via Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge from 1 July 2024
A spokesman for the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department said on 17 June 2024 that the operating hours for fresh produce imported via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) will be extended with effect from 1 July (Monday) to further facilitate the trade and supply of fresh food.
Having discussed with Mainland authorities and the trade, the CFS decided to extend the operating hours from the existing eight hours to 16 hours (i.e. from 1pm to 5am the next day) for fresh produce to be imported through the HZMB into Hong Kong, with effect from 1 July. Vehicles carrying frozen and chilled poultry, meat and game, eggs, milk, fresh aquatic products, vegetables and fruits by land from the Mainland may choose to enter Hong Kong via the HZMB during the abovementioned period for inspection by CFS staff.
The inspection procedures by the CFS at the Hong Kong Port of the HZMB will be similar to those for vehicles importing fresh produce via the Man Kam To Boundary Control Point, including examining details of import documents, conducting physical inspections and sampling of fresh food for testing.
The spokesman stressed that the operating hours and arrangements of goods vehicles carrying fresh produce and live food animals entering Hong Kong via the Man Kam To Boundary Control Point have not changed.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202406/17/P2024061700357.htm.
Invitation for expressions of interest for development at Sandy Ridge in North District for innovation and technology and related purposes
"The Chief Executive's 2023 Policy Address" proposed a change in the use of a site at Sandy Ridge in North District for innovation and technology (I&T) and related purposes. The Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau (ITIB) and the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) invited expressions of interest (EOI) for the development at Sandy Ridge for I&T and related purposes on 17 June 2024.
Sandy Ridge is located in the Northern Metropolis, near Lo Wu. Taking into account the location of the site, infrastructure planning, commercial, transport and community facilities in the vicinity, as well as the industry's keen demand for digital infrastructure facilities, the Government is of the initial view that it is worth exploring the feasibility of developing this "spade-ready site" (and its nearby land with development potential) into a data park for data centres and related industries.
The deadline for submission of the EOI is noon on 31 July 2024 (Wednesday). The ITIB and the OGCIO together with the Northern Metropolis Co-ordination Office of the Development Bureau as well as the Civil Engineering and Development Department will hold a briefing session on the invitation for EOI on 27 June 2024 (Thursday). Interested companies and industry bodies are welcome to register for the session. Details have been uploaded to the relevant webpage (www.ogcio.gov.hk/en/our_work/business/data_centre/).
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202406/17/P2024061700307.htm.
HKECIC extends the protection for "Small Business Policy" and 15% premium discount for "Online Micro-Business Policy"
The HKECIC announced on 14 June 2024 the extensions of its free pre-shipment cover for holders of the "Small Business Policy" ("SBP") by one year to 30 June 2025 and the 15% premium discount for the "Online Micro-Business Policy" ("OMBP") by two years to 30 June 2026 respectively. HKECIC aims to enhance risk protection for Hong Kong exporters and reduce their costs, supporting them in seizing new business opportunities amidst an uncertain global economic environment.
The SBP is tailor-made for exporters with an annual turnover of less than HK$50 million while exporters with an annual turnover of less than HK$30 million are eligible for the OMBP. Interested exporters can apply policy via our 24-hour online platform, EC-Reach.
HKECIC was established in 1966 under the Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation Ordinance (Chapter 1115). Through the provision of export credit insurance services, HKECIC protects Hong Kong exporters who trade on credit terms with overseas buyers against non-payment risks and helps them conduct export business in a prudent manner. The HKSAR Government provides a guarantee of HK$80 billion for HKECIC's contingent liability.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.hkecic.com/cms/sites/default/files/announcements/2024-06/Announcement_HKECIC%20Extends%20the%20Protection%20for%20SBP%20and%2015%25%20Premium%20Discount%20for%20OMBP.pdf.
Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao sign framework agreement to enhance co-operation in emergency management and response
The People's Government of Guangdong Province, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the Macao Special Administrative Region (Macao SAR) Government signed the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Emergency Management Co-operation and Greater Bay Area Emergency Response Operation Co-operation Framework Agreement in Hong Kong on 14 June 2024 to strengthen co-operation and exchanges of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao on emergency management and response.
Vice Minister of the Ministry of Emergency Management Mr Xu Jia'ai and Member of the Office Leadership of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council Mr Xiang Bin attended the ceremony. Witnessed by the Executive Vice-Governor of Guangdong Province, Mr Zhang Hu; the Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; and the Secretary for Security of the Macao SAR, Mr Wong Sio-chak; the Director of the Department of Emergency Management of Guangdong Province, Mr Wang Zaihua; the Secretary for Security of the HKSAR, Mr Tang Ping-keung; and the Commissioner General of the Unitary Police Service of the Macao SAR, Mr Leong Man-cheong signed the Framework Agreement on behalf of governments in the three places.
The Framework Agreement aims at establishing a government-led co-operation mechanism for emergency response, with professional emergency rescue forces as the mainstay and actions as the core, and strengthening emergency response capabilities of the three places, so as to cope with accidents, disasters, natural disasters and other contingencies affecting Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao.
The governments of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao are jointly formulating a new Greater Bay Area Emergency Response Operational Plan tailored for cities in the GBA, which covers technical and knowledge exchange mechanism, resource sharing mechanism, and emergency mobilisation and co-ordination mechanism, so as to promote overall improvement in emergency management in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, achieve effective utilisation and rational sharing of emergency response resources and enhance the effectiveness of cross-boundary rescue. The governments of the three places expressed their hope to set up a task force on Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao emergency management co-operation and hold its first meeting within 2024 to take stock of the emergency management co-operation experience and to chart out future developments of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao emergency management.
After the signing ceremony, the HKSAR Government hosted a welcome dinner to express gratitude to the Central Authorities and the governments of Guangdong and Macao for their staunch support for emergency management co-operation in the three places.
The signing ceremony and welcome dinner were held at the Disciplined Services Sports and Recreation Club. Participants of the signing ceremony visited emergency response facilities of the HKSAR Government on 15 June to strengthen professional exchanges, laying a solid foundation for future co-operation.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202406/14/P2024061400702.htm.
Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Development Office launches "GoGBA Sector Series" to help industry understand opportunities of Greater Bay Area
The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Development Office (GBA Office) of the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau and the HKTDC co-organised the GoGBA Seminar for Accounting Sector on 14 June 2024 to kick off the "GoGBA Sector Series". With the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants as the strategic partner, the seminar focused on the development of Hong Kong's accounting profession in the GBA.
In her opening address at the event, the Commissioner for the Development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Ms Maisie Chan, said "Under 'one country, two systems', Hong Kong enjoys significant advantages such as free flow of capital, a common law system, a low and simple tax regime, and a regulatory regime aligned with the international market. With a world-class business environment and a renowned professional services sector, Hong Kong is best placed to serve as the 'super connector' and 'super value-adder' between the Mainland and the global market."
Ms Chan added that Hong Kong's accounting profession and accountants are at the forefront of the world in terms of professionalism and regulatory standards, and are an important force in supporting the high-quality development of different sectors in Hong Kong and the entire GBA. The HKSAR Government will continue to maintain close liaison with the Mainland authorities to strive for more policy innovations and breakthrough, and the compatibility and alignment of rules and mechanisms, so as to facilitate the smooth flow of financial factors in the region, and better leverage Hong Kong's advantages as an international financial centre. This will further drive the demand for professional accounting services in the GBA and greatly expand the room for development of the accounting profession.
At the seminar on 14 June, representatives from the Nansha District People's Government of Guangzhou, and the Qianhai Authority of Shenzhen, were also invited to introduce the latest preferential policies and tax incentives in Nansha and Qianhai, the two major co-operation platforms in the GBA. A number of accounting professionals also shared the strategies and practices of Hong Kong's professional accounting services in expanding their businesses in the GBA, helping participants better understand and grasp the development opportunities brought about by the development of the GBA.
The new "GoGBA Sector Series" is a joint initiative of the GBA Office and HKTDC, which aims to focus on the needs of different sectors and provide more specific and targeted information and support to enterprises and professionals in relevant sectors through more diversified means, and support them in expanding their businesses in different cities of the GBA. In addition to keynote speeches and panel discussions, small group advisory workshops and one-on-one consultation services were also arranged at the seminar, where experts answered questions and offered advice on development of the accounting sector in the Mainland cities of the GBA. The next event under the accounting sector series, namely "GoGBA Accounting Sector Study Tour", will be held in late July. Arrangements will be made for the participants to visit the Mainland cities of the GBA to learn about the latest development of and policy measures applicable to the accounting sector in the Mainland, and at the same time, to build up their business network and open up new markets.
For more information about the GBA, please visit the dedicated website (www.bayarea.gov.hk/en/), which also covers the content of the Greater Bay Area Information Station (www.bayarea.gov.hk/gbais/en/) for easy browsing by members of the public.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202406/14/P2024061400799.htm.
Women Empowerment Fund invites 2024-25 first-round applications till 15 July 2024
The Women Empowerment Fund is open for the first round of applications in 2024 starting from 14 June until 15 July. The Fund subsidises projects that support women in juggling their jobs and family life, bring awareness to women's physical and mental health, and unleash their potential.
Set up in June 2023, the Fund aims to empower women, regardless of their age, occupation and background, to unlock their full potential in their respective roles, ultimately achieving the goal of promoting women's development in Hong Kong.
The Fund is divided into general and thematic projects. The funding cap of each one-year and two-year general project is $400,000 and $800,000 respectively. Starting from this year, the Fund has regularised the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Exchange Programme under the thematic project. Each exchange programme shall be completed within one year and the funding cap is $120,000.
In addition, a new thematic project, the Programme on Women's Participation in Community Services, will be launched this year. It aims to encourage women to make use of their own strengths to plan and launch community service projects, thereby promoting care and inclusion. Each community services programme shall be completed within one year and the funding cap is $400,000.
The Fund accepts two rounds of applications each year. The Guide to Application and the application form have been uploaded to the Fund's website (www.wef.gov.hk). Interested eligible women's groups and non-governmental organisations may submit an electronic or paper application.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202406/14/P2024061400349.htm.
HKSAR Government sets up Hong Kong Cross-boundary Public Services self-service kiosks in Shenzhen
In his Policy Address in 2023, the Chief Executive proposed to advance the development of a digital government and collaborate with Guangdong Province to promote the Cross-boundary Public Services initiative. The ITIB announced on 14 June 2024 the setting up of Hong Kong Cross-boundary Public Services self-service kiosks at two locations in Shenzhen. The self-service kiosks will help residents and enterprises in Mainland cities of the GBA access public services of Hong Kong without the need to travel to Hong Kong in person.
Starting from 14 June, the public can use the Hong Kong Cross-boundary Public Services self-service kiosks located in the following two Shenzhen service centres to access various public services of Hong Kong:
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Qianhai e-Station Government Service Center of Shenzhen Municipality (opening hours: 9am to noon and 2pm to 6pm, Monday to Friday except public holidays on the Mainland)
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e-Station Comprehensive Service Center of Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone (opening hours: 9am to noon and 1pm to 5pm, Monday to Friday except public holidays on the Mainland)
For details, please visit the Hong Kong Cross-boundary Public Services thematic website at www.crossboundaryservices.gov.hk/en/home/index.html.
Following the first Hong Kong Cross-boundary Public Services self-service kiosk which commenced operation in Guangzhou in February 2024, the Cross-boundary Public Services self-service kiosks currently provide over 60 public services from 11 government bureaux and departments as well as related organisations, encompassing areas commonly used by enterprises and the public including taxation, company registration, property and vehicle enquiry and registration, personal identification documents and applications for entry of talent, welfare and education, healthcare, immigration clearance, urgent assistance as well as culture and tourism. Members of the public can use the self-service kiosks to perform data entry, document scanning and result printing to enjoy one-stop access when applying for various public services.
The Cross-boundary Public Services self-service kiosks will introduce the use of Intrusion Detected Continuous Re-authentication technology in the next phase to further enhance privacy protection for kiosk users. This technology is developed by the Logistics and Supply Chain MultiTech R&D Centre, and was awarded a bronze medal at the 49th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva in April 2024.
In addition, the OGCIO has set up "iAM Smart" self-registration kiosks at the two locations mentioned above to enable Hong Kong residents working and living on the Mainland to register for, or upgrade to, "iAM Smart+" to enjoy convenient online services. For details and registration requirements, please visit the "iAM Smart" thematic website at www.iamsmart.gov.hk/en/reg.html.
A spokesman for the ITIB expressed sincere gratitude to the Guangdong Provincial Administration of Government Service and Data for its strong support and the two Shenzhen service centres above for their full co-operation. The ITIB will continue to discuss with the Guangdong Provincial Administration of Government Service and Data to set up self-service kiosks in more Mainland cities of the GBA to cope with the demands of residents and enterprises in the GBA for Hong Kong Government services.
To implement the State Council's Guiding Opinions to all provincial governments on Cross-provincial Public Services and their comprehensive deployment, the HKSAR Government accepted the invitation of the People's Government of Guangdong Province in 2021 to jointly launch the GBA Cross-boundary Public Services, and worked with Guangdong Province in November 2023 to introduce a dedicated service area/thematic website for Cross-boundary Public Services. The initiative enables enterprises and the public in both regions to enjoy simple and convenient cross-boundary services, with a view to facilitating the provision of public services and investment in the GBA, and enhancing the satisfaction and sense of contentment of enterprises and the public in accessing services across the boundary.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202406/14/P2024061400355.htm.
United Nations Sanctions (Somalia) Regulation 2019 (Amendment) Regulation 2024 gazetted
The Government gazetted the United Nations Sanctions (Somalia) Regulation 2019 (Amendment) Regulation 2024 on 14 June 2024, which came into operation on the same date.
"The Amendment Regulation amends the United Nations Sanctions (Somalia) Regulation 2019 to give effect to certain decisions on sanctions in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolutions 2713 and 2714 in respect of Somalia," a Government spokesman said.
The amendments mainly relate to prohibition against the supply, sale, transfer or carriage of weapons, ammunition or military equipment to Somalia or to certain persons; prohibition against the provision of technical assistance or training or financial or other assistance to certain persons; and certain exemption arrangements in respect of arms embargo, improvised explosive devices (IED) components ban and provision of IED technology.
The HKSAR Government has all along been implementing fully the sanctions imposed by the UNSC. The Amendment Regulation aims to give effect to the instructions by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for fulfilling the international obligations of the People's Republic of China as a Member State of the United Nations.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202406/14/P2024061400248.htm.
CreateHK restructured as Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency
Create Hong Kong (CreateHK) of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB) has been restructured as the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) with effect from 14 June 2024, to proactively promote the development of arts, culture and creative sectors as industries under the industry-oriented principle of implementing Hong Kong's positioning as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange under the National 14th Five-Year Plan. The launching ceremony for the CCIDA was held on 24 June. The CCIDA also announced at the ceremony the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with three prominent cultural and creative brands from the Mainland, which marks a new chapter for the cultural and creative industries in Hong Kong.
The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, said, "It was announced in 'The Chief Executive’s 2023 Policy Address' that the Government would take the initiative to restructure CreateHK as the CCIDA, which will play a more proactive and positive role in enhancing its support for the development of the arts, culture and creative sectors."
"The CCIDA will set up new dedicated teams to proactively identify external opportunities for relevant industries and lead them to arrange delegations to various showcases worldwide to export Hong Kong's cultural and creative industries, foster business opportunities and enhance Hong Kong's international status. It will continue to identify suitable and promising projects in relevant sectors to promote the application of cross-sectoral and cross-genre content, and strengthen the support for the industries to enable their content distribution. The CCIDA will further facilitate the creation and production of cultural IP, enable cultural IP transactions, and explore business and commercialisation opportunities to enhance economic benefits," Mr Yeung added.
Addressing the ceremony on 24 June, Mr Yeung, said, "The launching ceremony marks an important milestone in the development of Hong Kong's cultural and creative industries. It signifies that the CCIDA will take on a new mission. It will foster a better environment in Hong Kong, and adopt an industry-oriented approach to further promote the industrialisation of arts, cultural and creative sectors, dovetailing with the National 14th Five-Year Plan, which aims to develop Hong Kong into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange."
With a view to facilitating more collaboration between Hong Kong brands and the Mainland cultural and creative brands, the CCIDA signed MOUs with three prominent Mainland cultural and creative brands. Among them, two MOUs were signed in Beijing on 19 June, which are about the collaboration on the brand "the National Museum of China Innovative" with the National Museum of China (Beijing) Cultural Industry Development Co Ltd, and the collaboration on the brand "the Palace Museum Cultural and Creative Products Hong Kong Space" with the Guangzhou Tai Lai Digitals Cultural Tourism Co Ltd. In addition to a video screening of the two signing ceremonies, an MOU on the collaboration of "Great Wall Cultural Creativity" was also signed at the ceremony with Changcheng Cultural and Creative (Beijing) Culture Co Ltd. The MOUs aim to advance the partnership between the CCIDA and the relevant Mainland cultural and creative brands in areas of market development, promotion and exchanges, with a view to encouraging Hong Kong brands to create more cultural and creative products that feature the characteristics of the National Museum of China, the Palace Museum and Great Wall culture, as well as Hong Kong's unique charms.
The CCIDA will strive to establish an ecosystem that is conducive to the development of the culture, arts and creative industries. In addition to the current support of various programmes, the CCIDA will set up a new dedicated team to actively assist the industry in expanding overseas markets and strengthening the promotion of intellectual property creation as well as production, thereby creating more business opportunities for the industry and enhancing Hong Kong's international standing.
CreateHK was set up in June 2009 as an office dedicated to promoting the development of creative industries in Hong Kong. After the restructuring, the CCIDA will provide one-stop services and support to cultural and creative industries with a mission to foster a conducive environment in Hong Kong to facilitate the development of arts, culture and creative sectors as industries.
For relevant press releases, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202406/14/P2024061400263.htm and https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202406/24/P2024062400201.htm?fontSize=1.
DoJ and SPC establish standing interface platform on judicial and legal co-operation in GBA
The Deputy Secretary for Justice, Mr Cheung Kwok-kwan, and the Director General of the Research Office of the Supreme People's Court, Mr Zhou Jiahai, on 13 June 2024 in Beijing signed a memorandum of understanding on establishing a standing interface platform on judicial and legal co-operation in the GBA, which serves as a regular and institutionalised high-level official communication mechanism for deepening exchanges and co-operation and taking forward the work on the interfaces of mechanisms, regulatory frameworks and talent. Before the signing of the memorandum of understanding, the Executive Vice-president of the Supreme People's Court, Mr Deng Xiuming, met with Mr Cheung and his delegation.
The establishment of the interface platform is one of the policy initiatives in "The Chief Executive's 2023 Policy Address", and also an important measure in the Department of Justice (DoJ)'s Action Plan on the Construction of Rule of Law in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area for strengthening the interface of the communication mechanism between the Mainland and Hong Kong.
The two sides reached an agreement on various fronts to enhance the advantages of the GBA development, including the establishment of a standing interface mechanism to deepen the judicial and legal interface of regulatory frameworks in the GBA, thereby enhancing the cross-boundary multifaceted dispute resolution mechanism; strengthening exchanges and co-operation in the training of foreign-related legal talent; and conducting regular exchanges and visits of relevant officers.
Under the framework of the interface platform, high-level joint meetings between the two sides will be convened at least once a year to set the work priorities for the next stage, jointly prepare the work plans and programmes and notify each other on a regular basis.
Mr Cheung said the standing interface platform would enable the two sides to advance closer and smoother practical and research work on judicial and legal matters relating to the GBA, and better utilise the unique advantages of "one country, two systems and three jurisdictions" of the GBA, so as to consolidate Hong Kong's status as a centre for international legal and dispute resolution services in the Asia-Pacific region, serving the high-quality development of the country and the construction of the rule of law in the GBA.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202406/13/P2024061300543.htm.
Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao Customs jointly build Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Customs Clearance Information Platform
The Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Ms Louise Ho; the Director General of the Guangdong Sub-Administration of the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (GACC), Mr Li Kuiwen; and the Director-General of the Macao Customs Service, Mr Vong Man-chong, signed the "Co-operative Arrangement on the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Customs Clearance Information Platform" in Hong Kong on 12 June 2024, officially commencing the work of setting up the Information Platform.
The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Customs Clearance Information Platform (Information Platform) is one of the key initiatives under the Co-operative Arrangement on Smart Customs Development between the GACC and Hong Kong Customs. It will disseminate information about Customs regulations, announcements, customs clearance guidelines, enforcement cases, etc, of the three Customs authorities to members of the public through an Internet site and a mobile application. Also, the Information Platform will provide a one-stop enquiry service, such as real-time customs clearance information, for passengers and the transportation industry to enhance the efficiency of cross-boundary flow of people and cargo in the GBA. The three Customs administrations will continue to optimise the functions and expand the scope of services of the platform to promote the connectivity within the GBA.
A delegation of the Guangdong Sub-Administration of the GACC on the same morning visited the West Kowloon Station of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link to learn about Hong Kong Customs' passengers clearance operations. They also visited the Hong Kong Customs College, the Customs Marine Base on Stonecutters Island and the Shenzhen Bay Port on 13 June to understand the work about staff training, cargo and passenger clearance and maritime enforcement.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202406/12/P2024061200448.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.
Corruption Prevention Advisory Service (CPAS) of ICAC
A good governance system is vital for SMEs' effective operation, and can help sustain their company image and hence counterparts' confidence in doing business with them. The Corruption Prevention Department of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has launched the Corruption Prevention Advisory Service (CPAS). The CPAS is a specialised unit dedicated to providing tailor-made, free and confidential corruption prevention advice on system control in common business areas such as procurement and staff administration. Enterprises can access its user-friendly web portal (https://cpas.icac.hk/EN/) for details of the services and to get timely and useful resources on corruption prevention such as staff code of conduct, corruption prevention guides and tools, case studies, quick tips and red flags. To receive regular updates on corruption prevention, please click here to subscribe to the CPAS e-news.
Free IP Consultation Service
The IPD, supported by the Law Society of Hong Kong, now provides FREE One-On-One IP Consultation Service for SMEs. To obtain more information and/or apply for the Service, please visit IPD's dedicated website "Hong Kong – Regional IP Trading Centre": https://ip.gov.hk/en/home/consultation-service/index.html.
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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