SUCCESS
E-newsletter
24 July 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 Activity
Major Export Market Updates: Opportunities and Challenges for Exporters (Webinar)
(This webinar will be live-streamed on 26 July 2024)
In this webinar, a representative from the Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation (HKECIC) is invited to provide an overview of the economic situation of Hong Kong’s major export markets and Hong Kong’s export opportunities and challenges, with a view to assisting Hong Kong exporters in effectively managing export credit risks and enhancing the efficiency of their export businesses. (This webinar will be conducted in Cantonese.)
More Details and Registration
SUCCESS-supported Activity
"Empowering Enterprises with Innovative Technologies Important Trend for Future Development!" (Online Course)
(This online course will be live-streamed on 31 July 2024)
This course is offered by the HKPC. SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations. This online course will introduce new industrialisation cases where advanced innovative technologies have been successfully implemented, as well as relevant government funding schemes. (This course will be conducted in Cantonese.)
More Details (in Chinese only)
Meeting the “BRANDers” – Mr Reeve Kwan, Co-founder of the Listed Local Logistics Platform “GOGOX”
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 Reeve Kwan, one of the co-founders of GOGOX, who has shared his experience in starting up and developing business, and the key success factors for brand development.
More Details (in Chinese only)
Government launches public consultation for 2024 Policy Address
The Government of the HKSAR launched a public consultation for the Chief Executive's 2024 Policy Address on 16 July 2024. The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, will deliver his third Policy Address in October 2024.
"My team and I have been listening to your views all along, and we have put up concrete measures to improve governance, create a strong impetus for growth, earnestly address people’s concerns and difficulties in their daily lives, and work together to safeguard harmony and stability." Mr Lee said.
"Over the past year or so, we have enacted the local legislation for Article 23 of the Basic Law to fulfil the constitutional responsibility, and improved district governance. It is now the best time for Hong Kong to focus on developing our economy and improving our livelihood. In the days to come, the Government will continue to unite and lead society in seeking innovation and changes, and strive for excellence and success for Hong Kong. We will also stand atop and look afar, capitalise on our strengths and seize all opportunities, so as to let our people enjoy better lives."
"I invite you all to give your views on the 2024 Policy Address. We will listen to and consider your views carefully, and we look forward to receiving your views and hearing your thoughts. Let's embrace the future together!"
The Government will hold more than 40 consultation sessions to receive the views and suggestions of Legislative Council Members, representatives of different sectors and members of the public. The Chief Executive and the principal officials will also conduct district visits to meet with members of the public and representatives of different sectors and listen to their views directly.
Starting from 16 July 2024, members of the public can offer their views through the Policy Address website (www.policyaddress.gov.hk), via the dedicated Facebook page for the Policy Address public consultation (www.facebook.com/PolicyAddressConsultation), or by email (policyaddress@cepu.gov.hk), phone (2432 1899) or fax (2537 9083).
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202407/16/P2024071200538.htm?fontSize=1.
Introduction of electric vehicle maintenance service to registration schemes for vehicle maintenance
The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) announced on 22 July 2024 the introduction of electric vehicle (EV) maintenance service to the Voluntary Registration Scheme for Vehicle Mechanics and the Voluntary Registration Scheme for Vehicle Maintenance Workshops (registration schemes), marking a significant step for the vehicle maintenance industry to keep pace with developments and cope with the local demand for EV maintenance service.
In view of the increasing demand for EV maintenance, the Government and the Vehicle Maintenance Technical Advisory Committee (VMTAC) earlier carried out a study on the introduction of EV maintenance service to the existing registration schemes. Making reference to the practices of other places and taking into account the local situation, the VMTAC has established the criteria for EV maintenance training programmes, the registration requirements for vehicle mechanics and workshops to carry out EV maintenance service, etc. It has also compiled the Practice Guidelines for Electric Vehicle Maintenance, which recommend the facilities required for carrying out EV maintenance service, including personal protective equipment, first-aid equipment, fire protection facilities and venue setting, as well as testing and maintenance tools.
Under the registration schemes, EV maintenance service will be categorised into three levels, namely elementary, low voltage and high voltage. Registered vehicle mechanics will be qualified to carry out the corresponding EV maintenance service after completing the relevant training programmes. So far, the VMTAC has endorsed eight EV maintenance training programmes from four institutes, namely the Vocational Training Council, the Occupational Safety and Health Council, the Kowloon Motor Bus Academy and the Guangzhou Communications Technician Institute. As of mid-July 2024, over 350 mechanics have completed the training programmes. Registered vehicle maintenance workshops will receive an associated EV maintenance workshop identification signage after fulfilling the registration requirements for EV maintenance service.
The Government and the VMTAC will continue to collaborate with the trade to keep pace with vehicle maintenance developments, provide more training opportunities and attract new talent to the industry to ensure a sustainable and healthy development of the industry.
For more details on the EV maintenance service, please visit the EMSD website: (www.emsd.gov.hk/en/supporting_government_initiatives/registration_scheme_for_vehicle_maintenance/electric_vehicle_maintenance_service_scope/index.html).
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202407/22/P2024072200539.htm?fontSize=1.
HyD signs investigation, design and construction consultancy agreement for Smart and Green Mass Transit System in East Kowloon
The Highways Department (HyD) signed an investigation, design and construction consultancy agreement with the Arup-AIS Joint Venture for the Smart and Green Mass Transit System in East Kowloon on 22 July 2024. Apart from Ove Arup & Partners Hong Kong Ltd and Asia Infrastructure Solutions Ltd, the professional team formed by the Joint Venture is also composed of local financial consultant Knight Frank Petty Ltd and planning consultant KTA Planning Ltd, an engineering design consultant from the Mainland, China Design Group Co Ltd, and professional members in other various disciplines. The Joint Venture will take forward the planning, investigation and design work for the project at full steam.
A spokesman for the HyD said, "The proposed Smart and Green Mass Transit System in East Kowloon will provide convenient and fast transport feeder services to the northern uphill areas of Kwun Tong for connection with the MTR Choi Hung and Yau Tong Stations and major public transport interchanges, thus providing more commuting options for over 300 000 residents in the uphill areas while reducing the impact of road traffic congestion on the public's commuting. The Government plans to invite suppliers and operators from the Mainland and overseas to submit expressions of interest in the second half of this year (2024), in order to ascertain their interests and capabilities in the construction and operation of the system, and to seek their views on various aspects of the project. We strive to invite tenders for the construction of the project in 2026 with an aim to award the contract in 2027 for completion of the works by 2033 or earlier."
The preliminary alignment of the proposed Smart and Green Mass Transit System in East Kowloon is about 7 kilometres long, including viaducts of about 6k in length and a tunnel of about 1k in length. There will be eight stations connecting from Choi Hung East near the MTR Choi Hung Station, via Choi Wan, Shun Lee, Shun On, Sau Mau Ping, Po Tat and Ma Yau Tong to Yau Tong East near the MTR Yau Tong Station.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202407/22/P2024072200372.htm?fontSize=1.
InvestHK unveils Global Fast Track 2024: empowering business connectivity among fintechs, corporates and investors
Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) announced that the 7th edition of the Global Fast Track (GFT), 2024 is now open for applications until 20 September 2024. The programme is open to fintech companies globally and locally, offering opportunities to pitch their cases on international stages and benefit from mentorship and business matchmaking to unleash their potential. The global finalists of the GFT's pitching competition will compete in the grand finale at Hong Kong Fintech Week (HKFW). New features for GFT 2024 will further strengthen Hong Kong's position as the premier international fintech hub.
Global Head of Financial Services, Fintech and Sustainability at InvestHK, Mr King Leung, said, "The Global Fast Track has evolved into a fintech-friendly platform in the past few years. We have helped over 1,000 fintech companies from more than 50 economies to showcase their cutting-edge innovations and expedite their market entry in Hong Kong and beyond. We are thrilled to build on this success and continue to offer unparalleled access to a global network with more than 100 investor and corporate champions, mentors, and industry leaders through GFT 2024."
Mr Leung added, "With the introduction of new features this year (2024), we aim to further unlock the true potential of innovation within the fintech industry and provide a springboard for groundbreaking solutions to make a transformative impact. I look forward to welcoming high-caliber applicants from around the world and the remarkable outcomes that will emerge from this programme."
New features for GFT 2024
1. Unparalleled networking opportunities
These include:
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ongoing one-on-one meetings facilitated by the GFT matchmaking platform;
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Founders Champions Night (new) - Successful homegrown champions of Hong Kong who have raised funds, been acquired or expanded internationally, will join an exclusive networking session with the GFT finalists;
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More international champions (new) - champions such as investors and financial institutions from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region are onboarded to GFT to help facilitate two-way connectivity between the GCC region and Hong Kong; and
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Investor Network Night (new) - companies can connect with key investor champions of the programme, setting the stage for them to showcase their potential growth and funding opportunities.
2. Featured verticals for 2024
In addition to the finTech and artificial intelligence tracks that have been a mainstay of GFT, the 2024 edition will introduce three new verticals: ESG/Green Fintech, Blockchain, and Insurance/HealthTech. This expansion aligns with the evolving landscape and emerging trends in the financial services industry.
In this edition, semi-finalists of each track will be invited to Hong Kong to pitch in person on stage during HKFW, with the grand finale taking place on the second day. This is an unparalleled opportunity for qualified fintech innovators to showcase their profile in front of audiences numbering in the thousands, key corporates and investors looking for fintech solutions and investment opportunities. Previous winners have come from around the world including Canada, France, Israel, Mainland China, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States.
InvestHK is excited to work alongside Finoverse, the appointed co-organiser of GFT 2024, to scale the programme to new heights. For details of the entire programme of GFT 2024 and the application process, please visit here.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202407/22/P2024071800447.htm?fontSize=1.
Transport Department streamlines HKeToll credit card auto-payment arrangements and promotes automatic top-up services for payments
The Transport Department (TD) has simplified the automatic payment of tolls by credit card and implemented related notification arrangements with effect from 22 July 2024 to provide greater convenience to HKeToll users. Users are also encouraged to use automatic top-up services for payment.
The TD continuously reviews the HKeToll service and introduces improvement measures to provide a better user experience. In respect of users using a credit card auto-payment, the HKeToll has adopted new arrangements to consolidate all tolls payable on the same day for handling. If a user has more than one toll transaction on the same day, settlement of toll payments will be streamlined from once per transaction to once per day, in which the total fee will be collected from the relevant user in one go on the following day. Under the streamlined arrangements, the relevant user will receive a notification on the HKeToll mobile application stating that the toll transaction is being processed after using government-tolled tunnels each time. The system will then send a notification on the following day to confirm whether the total fee has been paid successfully. The new arrangements can reduce the number of payment transactions, and users can continue to check their detailed records of using government-tolled tunnels on the HKeToll website or mobile application.
The HKeToll system will select the arrangement of consolidating all tolls payable on a day into a single charge for users using credit card auto-payment by default, while providing flexible options. Users can log onto their accounts on the HKeToll website or mobile application to customise their payment and notification preferences according to their individual needs. The arrangements for users who currently use bank transfers and designated stored value accounts for auto-payments will remain unchanged.
In addition, a promotional campaign has been launched till 21 September 2024, in collaboration with the toll service provider and the settlement bank, to encourage users to register for designated stored value accounts of the HKeToll and set up automatic top-up services. This will allow users to manage their HKeToll accounts and pay tunnel fees more easily.
For details of the promotional campaign or any enquiries regarding the above arrangements, members of the public may visit the HKeToll website (hketoll.gov.hk) or mobile application, or call the hotline 3853 7333.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202407/18/P2024071800251.htm?fontSize=1.
Immigration Department introduces "Mutual Use of QR Code between HKSAR and Macao SAR Clearance Service"
The Immigration Department (ImmD) launched the "Mutual Use of QR Code between HKSAR and Macao SAR Clearance Service" (the Service) in collaboration with the Public Security Police Force, the Identification Services Bureau, the Public Administration and Civil Service Bureau and the Public Security Forces Affairs Bureau of Macao with effect from 19 July 2024. This initiative aims at providing faster and more convenient immigration clearance service for eligible Hong Kong residents and Macao residents.
Under the new measure, Hong Kong residents (i) aged 11 or above; (ii) holding a valid Hong Kong permanent identity card or Hong Kong identity card containing ‘*’, ‘***’ or ‘R’ symbol; and (iii) having successfully registered for using the Automated Immigration Clearance Service in the Macao SAR, are eligible to activate the Service with the "Contactless e-Channel" mobile application. After successful activation with the mobile application, they can generate an encrypted QR code through the mobile application for using the Automated Immigration Clearance Service in the Macao SAR to complete the automated immigration clearance. Meanwhile, eligible Macao permanent residents can generate an encrypted QR code through the "Macao One Account" mobile application for using e-Channels to complete the automated immigration clearance.
For details of the Service, please visit the ImmD's website at www.immd.gov.hk/hkmaqr. For enquiries, please contact the ImmD by calling the enquiry hotline (2824 6111), by fax (2877 7711) or by email (enquiry@immd.gov.hk).
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202407/18/P2024071800174.htm?fontSize=1.
Hospital Authority welcomes passage of Nurses Registration (Amendment) Bill 2023 at Legislative Council
The Hospital Authority (HA) welcomed the passage of the Nurses Registration (Amendment) Bill 2023 at the Legislative Council on 17 July 2024, which opens up new pathways for admitting eligible non-locally trained nurses to practice in Hong Kong. The HA will fully support the Government's policy by proactively launching promotions in different countries and regions and actively recruiting more non-locally trained nurses to alleviate the pressure on public hospitals.
"The amended Bill will help the HA to expand the source of nursing manpower supply so as to maintain the sustainability of public healthcare services. In view of the aging population and increasing demand for healthcare services, the HA has proceeded with the two Hospital Development Plans to increase hardware facilities and the service capacity of public healthcare. In addition, to continuously attracting local healthcare talent, the HA can also recruit more eligible non-locally trained nurses through the new limited registration/enrolment and special registration/enrolment pathways to cope with the increasing service needs," an HA spokesperson said.
"The HA is planning to visit various countries and regions, including Singapore this month (July 2024) and Malaysia in August, to promote this new policy and introduce development opportunities in our public hospitals in order to attract eligible non-locally trained nurses to practice in Hong Kong. The HA will have dedicated staff to provide one-stop support and counselling services to interested applicants, including offering employment information, following up on enquiries and handling related applications."
In addition, the HA has been encouraging professional exchanges between local nurses and their counterparts worldwide, including the Greater Bay Area Specialty Nursing Knowledge-exchange Programme launched earlier. The HA will actively reach out to healthcare professional institutions and organisations in different countries and regions to promulgate the policy, as well as to explore various forms of exchange programmes under the new registration/enrolment system, in a view to enhancing the overall standard of the nursing profession.
The spokesperson emphasised that locally trained healthcare professionals remain the cornerstone of the public healthcare service. The HA will continue to prioritise the recruitment of suitable locally trained nurses, while also adopting various human resource initiatives, which include continuous enhancement of professional development, training opportunities and career ladders of nursing staff, as well as continue the recruitment of full-time and part-time nurses and the Special Retired and Rehire Scheme, etc, to increase and retain nursing manpower.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202407/17/P2024071700299.htm?fontSize=1.
Consultation conclusions for legislative proposal to implement regulatory regime for stablecoin issuers in Hong Kong released
The Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau (FSTB) and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) jointly issued on 17 July 2024 the consultation conclusions on the legislative proposal to implement a regulatory regime for fiat-referenced stablecoin (FRS) issuers in Hong Kong.
During the two-month public consultation period completed in February 2024, 108 submissions from market participants, industry associations, business and professional organisations and other stakeholders were received. A vast majority of respondents agreed that with the increased prevalence and evolving development of virtual assets (VAs), a regulatory regime should be introduced for FRS issuers, with a view to facilitating proper management of the potential monetary and financial stability risks, as well as providing transparent and suitable guardrails. The proposed regulatory requirements and implementation arrangements received general support from respondents, with some further enhancements suggested in the submissions.
The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, said, "In addition to the existing regulatory regime for VA trading platforms, the establishment of a licensing regime for FRS issuers will further strengthen the VA regulatory framework in Hong Kong in line with international standards and effectively mitigate possible financial stability risks associated with FRS issuance activities."
The Chief Executive of the HKMA, Mr Eddie Yue, said, "We are grateful for the respondents' valuable comments and are encouraged by the general support for the proposed regulatory regime. We believe that a well-regulated environment is conducive to the sustainable and responsible development of the stablecoin ecosystem in Hong Kong."
The FSTB and the HKMA will take into account the views and suggestions from respondents in finalising the legislative proposal for implementing the regulatory regime, with a view to introducing a bill into the Legislative Council as soon as possible.
The consultation conclusions are available on the websites of the FSTB and the HKMA. The HKMA is also processing the applications for the stablecoin issuer sandbox, with the list of sandbox participants to be announced shortly.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202407/17/P2024071700280.htm?fontSize=1.
Visa-free period for holders of HKSAR passports to Thailand extended
The period of visa-free entry for holders of HKSAR passports to Thailand has been extended from up to 30 days to 60 days.
An ImmD spokesman said, "Thailand is along the Belt and Road, and is a member state of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. The two places have a close relationship in people-to-people and cultural exchanges. Under the Belt and Road Initiative, this extension of the period of visa-free entry will bring greater travel convenience to holders of HKSAR passports and strengthen the tourism, cultural and economic ties between the two places."
As of 16 July 2024, 172 countries and territories have granted visa-free access or visa-on-arrival to holders of HKSAR passports. Please visit the following website for details: www.immd.gov.hk/eng/service/travel_document/visa_free_access.html or scan the QR code in the attachment.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202407/16/P2024071600633.htm?fontSize=1.
Hong Kong signs MOU with Abu Dhabi on investment promotion
InvestHK announced on 16 July 2024 that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), pledging mutual co-operation on investment promotion exchanges and support.
The MOU was signed online by the Director-General of Investment Promotion at InvestHK, Ms Alpha Lau, and the Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr Ahmed Khalifa Al Qubaisi to foster a closer relationship for the mutual benefit of Hong Kong and the UAE in terms of investment promotion exchanges, and their co-operation with each other in promoting both inward and outward investments in both Abu Dhabi and Hong Kong.
Ms Lau said, "This MOU marks a new milestone between Hong Kong and Abu Dhabi in terms of investment promotion exchanges. Hong Kong offers an efficient, reliable business platform bringing Mainland China and the rest of the world together. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi is a leading economy in the Gulf region and an important source of foreign direct investment in the world. By leveraging Hong Kong's status as the world's 'super connector', companies from Abu Dhabi and the UAE, and those from Asia can strengthen collaboration, tapping into the growing business opportunities across our two regions."
Mr Al Qubaisi said, "This partnership between the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry and InvestHK aligns with our strategic goals to leverage the diverse and promising investment opportunities in both markets as it promotes collaborative efforts and trade exchanges, thereby bolstering our joint economic interests.
"Our partnership adds additional and necessary support to the objectives of the 'Gateway to the World' initiative, recently launched by the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, to expand our international business network, attract multinational corporations, SMEs, investors, and talent to Abu Dhabi, underscoring our commitment to fostering local and global economic growth, ensuring the contribution of the private sector to sustainable development, and facilitating global trade," he added.
The MOU focuses on sharing information on business environments and investment opportunities with a view to promoting investment between the two sides and sharing experiences in attracting foreign investment as well as best practices regarding investment promotion. It also encourages interested local companies in setting up or expanding their businesses within the area of the other jurisdiction and provides support to facilitate inward investment between both Abu Dhabi and Hong Kong.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202407/16/P2024071600386.htm?fontSize=1.
Government launches BUD Fund - "E-commerce Easy"
The Government launched "E-commerce Easy" under the Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading and Domestic Sales (BUD Fund) on 15 July 2024, with a view to assisting enterprises to develop the Mainland market through electronic commerce (e-commerce) business.
Speaking at the launching ceremony of "E-commerce Easy", the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, said that amid the rapid growth of global e-commerce business, in particular the flourishing Mainland e-commerce market, the Government launched "E-commerce Easy", under which enterprises can flexibly make use of a maximum funding of $1 million to implement e-commerce projects, to further assist them in exploring the enormous potential of the Mainland domestic sales market. He encouraged the trade to make good use of the measure to proactively seize the opportunities in the Mainland e-commerce market to expand their business coverage.
Mr Yau added that the Government will organise the Hong Kong Shopping Festivals on Mainland e-commerce platforms in August through the HKTDC to help SMEs promote Hong Kong brands, with a view to enhancing awareness of Hong Kong products and brands in the Mainland and tapping the Mainland domestic market.
The cumulative funding ceiling of "E-commerce Easy" is $1 million. Unlike general applications of the BUD Fund, items under "E-commerce Easy" projects are not subject to individual funding caps, so that more targeted support can be provided to enterprises. Enterprises can make use of the funding for the establishment of online stores and placement of advertisements on third-party online sales platforms, development or enhancement of mobile applications and incorporation of online payment options on their websites.
Funding under "E-commerce Easy" will be provided to enterprises on a matching basis. Enterprises can opt for an initial payment of up to 75 per cent of the approved government funding. All projects must be completed within 24 months.
Apart from "E-commerce Easy", enterprises may continue to apply for funding through the general application track or "Easy BUD" of the BUD Fund, in order to assist their business development in the Mainland and other markets with which Hong Kong has signed free trade agreements and/or investment promotion and protection agreements. The cumulative funding ceiling per enterprise under the BUD Fund will remain at $7 million.
The BUD Fund was established in 2012 and its current geographical coverage has been expanded to 39 economies. Over $5.1 billion has been approved under the BUD Fund, with more than 5 600 beneficiary enterprises.
Details of BUD Fund - "E-commerce Easy" are available at www.bud.hkpc.org/en. For enquiries, please contact the BUD Fund Secretariat (Tel: 2788 6088).
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202407/15/P2024071500227.htm.
2024 Maker in China SME Innovation and Entrepreneurship Global Contest - Hong Kong Chapter opens for enrolment till 16 August 2024
The 2024 Maker in China SME Innovation and Entrepreneurship Global Contest - Hong Kong Chapter (MiCHK) is open for enrolment starting from 15 July 2024. Hong Kong start-ups and SMEs aiming to expand in the Mainland market are welcome to join the contest. The deadline for enrolment is 16 August 2024.
The contest covers various technology fields that enhance new quality productive forces, including Fintech, AI & Big Data, Advanced Network Equipment, Third Generation Internet and Metaverse, Quantum Technology, Advanced Manufacturing, New Materials, New Energy and Green Technology, Biomedicine, as well as Smart Living and Smart Mobility.
The contest allows Mainland investors and enterprises to learn more about the innovative technology products and solutions of the local industry, and also enables local innovative technology SMEs to explore business opportunities on the Mainland. In the MiCHK 2024 Final to be held on 26 September, the top 10 finalists will have one-on-one business matching sessions with investors and enterprises from the Mainland. They will also have the opportunity to receive support to participate in various start-up programmes and exhibitions, and to promote their innovative projects to different regions through multiple platforms. The champion, first runner-up and second runner-up will represent the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to compete in the state-level Maker in China SME Innovation and Entrepreneurship Global Contest Final in Guangzhou in November, where they will compete for opportunities to gain support in entering the Mainland market by connecting with Mainland investors, setting up in the Mainland entrepreneurial parks, and receiving guidance on result transformation.
The MiCHK 2024 is jointly organised by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) of the HKSAR Government, the China Centre for Promotion of SME Development of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People's Republic of China, the Department of Youth Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, and the China International Cooperation Association of SMEs, and formulated by the Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited, the Angel Investment Foundation and the Guangzhou SME's Promotion For Specialization Refinement Differentiation Innovation Development. For more details about the contest, please visit www.makerinchina.hk.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202407/15/P2024071500390.htm.
Government establishes Primary Healthcare Commission on 15 July 2024 to continue boosting primary healthcare development
The Government announced on 15 July 2024 the Primary Healthcare Commission (PHC Commission) under the Health Bureau was officially established to succeed the work of the current Primary Healthcare Office (PHO). The Commissioner for Primary Healthcare, Dr Pang Fei-chau, will lead the PHC Commission, taking charge of overseeing the service supply, standard setting, quality assurance and personnel training related to primary healthcare. The PHC Commission will plan primary healthcare services and allocate resources through strategic purchasing with the support of the Strategic Purchasing Office, with a view to strengthening the primary healthcare services as a whole. The Government also established the Primary Healthcare Committee on the same date to assist the PHC Commission to perform its functions and exercise its powers in an effective manner.
Since its establishment in 2019, the PHO has been overseeing and steering the development of primary healthcare services. The Primary Healthcare Blueprint was subsequently released at the end of 2022, setting out concrete recommendations and implementation plans, and outlining a strategic roadmap for the future development of primary healthcare in Hong Kong. It is the Government's goal to make every effort to revamp the healthcare system, shifting the current treatment-oriented, hospital-based structure to a prevention-focused, community-based system, and devote more resources to promote primary healthcare.
The Government is actively taking forward various initiatives to promote primary healthcare development in accordance with the Blueprint. The Government launched the Chronic Disease Co-Care Pilot Scheme (CDCC Pilot Scheme) in November 2023, with a view to establishing a family doctor regime and positioning District Health Centres (DHCs) as a hub in fostering an expansion of the healthcare network at the community level. The CDCC Pilot Scheme has been receiving a positive response since its launch. As at 11 July, the number of participants exceeded 49 000, and more than 540 family doctors participated in the scheme, covering 650 service points. In addition, in order to strengthen the role of family doctors in the community healthcare system, starting from early October 2023, only doctors enlisted in the Primary Care Directory (PCD) are allowed to enrol in various government-subsidised primary healthcare programmes. Compared to the end of 2022 when the Blueprint was released, the number of doctors enlisted in the PCD increased by more than 40 per cent as at June 2024, reflecting the gradual formation of the family doctor network.
The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, said, "Being the organisation responsible for the primary healthcare development, the PHC Commission will build on past achievements and continue to make efforts in co-ordinating and managing the primary healthcare services provided by the public and private sectors, setting standards and establishing quality assurance mechanisms in a more comprehensive manner. The PHC Commission will integrate and co-ordinate the primary healthcare services provided by various parties, including the Department of Health (DH), the HA, non-governmental organisations and the private healthcare sector. The PHC Commission will also develop new service and management models for fostering the all-round consolidation and promotion of primary healthcare development.
"The DH will continue to maintain its public health functions in planning the overall public health strategy for the city, as well as executing its regulatory and enforcement roles, covering enhancement of the approval and registration mechanism for regulating drugs and medical devices. Meanwhile, the HA will focus on the delivery of public hospital services and the provision of relevant medical and rehabilitation services to the public. Under the policies formulated by the PHC Commission, the HA will focus on providing an essential safety net to the socially disadvantaged, in particular those who lack the means to pay. Such division of work will facilitate the positioning of primary healthcare as the foundation of the pyramid of healthcare services, and the gatekeeping the delivery of specialised secondary and tertiary healthcare services in hospital and healthcare institution settings."
The Government will explore the formulation of new legislation to give the PHC Commission authority and statutory powers such as defining primary healthcare service providers; auditing and monitoring the service quality of relevant personnel; setting relevant service standards applicable to private primary healthcare service providers; and establishing a quality assurance mechanism for primary healthcare services.
Through a more comprehensive, co-ordinated, systematic and quality-assured strategy, the PHC Commission will take forward various key tasks in the following three areas:
(1) Co-ordinating primary healthcare services and enhancing cross-sectoral and inter-organisational co-ordination. The PHC Commission will review the service scope of general out-patient clinics with the HA; discuss with the DH in reorganising the services of Woman Health Centres and Elderly Health Centres; and strengthen the role of DHCs as primary healthcare service hubs and case managers. At the same time, the PHC Commission will plan services and allocate resources through strategic purchasing, and explore the establishment of a community drug formulary and community pharmacy programme;
(2) Setting standards and agreed protocol-driven care pathway to ensure primary healthcare services quality. The PHC Commission will establish a more systematic patient referral mechanism to manage patient referrals in accordance with an agreed protocol-driven care pathway, connect DHCs across districts, and consolidate and share data through the Electronic Health Record Sharing System (eHealth) as a central platform. In future, eHealth's eReferral function will support primary healthcare service providers to discharge their case management and gatekeeping role through the real-time and secured electronic referral system; and
(3) Reinforcing the training for primary healthcare professionals. The PHC Commission will develop the Primary Care Register (PCR) to cover all primary healthcare professionals, and will set qualification and training requirements for the healthcare professionals enlisted on the PCR to keep improving the quality of primary healthcare services. The PHC Commission will also continue to collaborate with different academic/training institutions to design and provide relevant trainings for primary healthcare professionals, and explore relevant incentives for attracting healthcare professionals to pursue their careers in the primary healthcare field.
In order to assist the PHC Commission in performing its functions and exercising its powers effectively, the Government also set up the Committee on 15 July to gather wisdom from the Committee members to advise the PHC Commission from multiple perspectives. Concurrently chaired by the Commissioner for Primary Healthcare, Dr Pang Fei-chau, the Committee comprises ex-officio members and non-official members. The latter covers persons from different professional backgrounds, including professionals from family medicine, Chinese medicine, dentistry and other professional sectors.
The tenure of members of the Committee lasts for two years, from 15 July 2024 to 14 July 2026.
For more details on the work of the PHC Commission and the membership list of the Primary Healthcare Committee, please make reference to relevant press release (https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202407/15/P2024071500326.htm) and visit the website (www.healthbureau.gov.hk/phcc).
Labour Department launches Re-employment Allowance Pilot Scheme
The Labour Department (LD) announced on 15 July 2024 the launch of the Re-employment Allowance Pilot Scheme (REA Scheme) to encourage elderly and middle-aged people to join the labour force. The REA Scheme is now open for registration.
The Chief Executive, in his 2023 Policy Address, announced the introduction of a three-year REA Scheme to increase the incentive to elderly and middle-aged people to rejoin the workforce. Any Hong Kong residents aged 40 or above who are legally employable in Hong Kong and have not been in paid employment for three consecutive months or more are eligible to join the REA Scheme. Participants who have worked full-time for six consecutive months will be provided with an allowance of $10,000, while those who have worked full-time for 12 consecutive months will be given an additional allowance of $10,000. The amount of allowance for participants completing part-time employment will be halved. Each participant can receive a maximum re-employment allowance of $20,000 during the implementation period of the REA Scheme.
Employers of participants of the REA Scheme can at the same time enrol in the Employment Programme for the Elderly and Middle-aged (EPEM), and will be provided with on-the-job training (OJT) allowance. To encourage employers to take on participants of the REA Scheme, LD will extend the duration of OJT allowance under EPEM for eligible employers to six to 12 months.
A spokesperson for the LD said, "The REA Scheme encourages elderly and middle-aged people to return to the employment market, and helps unleash this potential labour force, which is beneficial to both employees and employers."
Persons interested in joining the REA Scheme can visit the dedicated webpage (www.jobs.gov.hk/rea), call the hotline manned by the service organisations commissioned by the Government at 2116 0131 or 2397 7277 or call LD at 2951 4634 for details and registration procedures of the Scheme.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202407/15/P2024071200291.htm.
New taxi fares taken effect
The new taxi fares for urban, New Territories (NT) and Lantau taxis have taken effect from 14 July 2024.
The new fares are as follows:
|
Fare (HK$) |
Urban Taxi
(Red) |
NT Taxi
(Green) |
Lantau Taxi
(Blue) |
Flagfall charge
For the first two kilometres or any part thereof |
$29 |
$25.5 |
$24 |
Incremental charge
For every subsequent 200 metres or any part thereof, or for every waiting period of one minute or any part thereof |
(Below $102.5)
$2.1 per jump |
(Below $82.5)
$1.9 per jump |
(Below $195)
$1.9 per jump |
($102.5 or above)
$1.4 per jump |
($82.5 or above)
$1.4 per jump |
($195 or above)
$1.6 per jump |
For additional charges of the three types of taxis, the fares for every piece of baggage carried (except light personal hand baggage carried inside the passenger compartment) remain at $6; and the fares for every animal or bird carried and every hiring arranged through telephone booking remain at $5.
Taxi drivers have to charge according to taximeters. From 14 July, taxi drivers have to display the fare conversion tables issued by the TD (see Annex) in the vehicle if the taximeters are yet to be adjusted to display the new fares. Taxi passengers have to pay the new fares according to the conversion tables. When taxi drivers charge new fares according to the conversion tables, the fare amount based on the new fares has to be written down on fare receipts issued to passengers.
Details on the new taxi fares are available on the TD's website (www.td.gov.hk/en/transport_in_hong_kong/public_transport/taxi/taxi_fare_of_hong_kong/index.html).
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202407/13/P2024071200504.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)
To assist enterprises to develop the Mainland market through e-commerce business, “E-commerce Easy” was launched on 15 July 2024. The cumulative funding ceiling of “E-commerce Easy” is $1 million. Unlike general applications of the BUD Fund, items under "E-commerce Easy" projects are not subject to individual funding caps, so that more targeted support can be provided to enterprises.
The HKPC as the BUD Fund implementation partner regularly organises seminars/webinars in order to enhance enterprises’ understanding of the BUD Fund, including “E-commerce Easy” and “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.
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.
More Details (in Chinese only)
Commercial Information Circulars (CICs) of the Mainland
The TID issued a number of Commercial Information Circulars (CICs) on the Mainland's trade and economic rules and regulations. The latest CICs have been published.
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