SUCCESS
E-newsletter
11 December 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 HKSARG) 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)
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"Four-in-One" Integrated Services of SME 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 SME 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 SME centres and government departments from a single online platform.
The Government provides over 70 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 70+ 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 SME 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
"Four-in-One" Seminar Series
The four SME centres co-organise "Four-in-One" seminar series regularly. Themes of this seminar series in the second half of 2024 are "E-commerce", "Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)" and "Branding". Upcoming seminars under this series are listed below. Interested persons are welcome to register at the links shown therein. Admission is Free.
I. Leading with ESG: Essential Practices for Li-Ion Battery Success Sharing (Seminar)
(This seminar will be held in InnoCentre on 18 December 2024)
This seminar is held by the “TecOne” of the HKSTP. In this seminar, experts will share insights on integrating Green Fintech solutions into business operations and success cases of the lithium-ion battery industry leveraging FinTech strategies for regulatory compliance, as well as how cross-industry partnerships may help accelerate sustainability initiatives and drive advancements in green technology solutions. (This seminar will be conducted in Cantonese and Putonghua with presentation materials in English.)
More Details and Registration
II. Latest Trend and Opportunity: E-Commerce Market in Southeast Asia (Seminar)
(This seminar will be held at Trade and Industry Tower on 20 December 2024)
This seminar is held by the “SUCCESS” of the TID. This seminar will explain the latest trend and development of the e-commerce markets in Southeast Asia. The speaker will focus on the major e-commerce markets in Southeast Asia and share about relevant transport and logistics arrangements, sales and marketing strategies, as well as challenges encountered, with a view to assisting SMEs in seizing the opportunities of developing the e-commerce market in the region. (This seminar will be conducted in Cantonese.)
More Details and Registration
III. Go GBA, Go E-Commerce (Seminar)
(This seminar will be held at Trade and Industry Tower on 23 December 2024)
This seminar is held by the “SUCCESS” of the TID. In this seminar, a representative of GoGBA Business Support Centre (Futian) will share their experiences in providing supportive services to Hong Kong businesses running in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), as well as share Shenzhen's support policies for Hong Kong enterprises to enter the GBA e-commerce market and information on related industrial parks. In addition, Dean of the Hong Kong Netrepreneurs Association's eCollege will share how SMEs may use various support measures to reposition and expand their businesses in the GBA. (This seminar will be conducted in Cantonese.)
More Details and Registration
SUCCESS-supported Activities
I. “Unleashing Creativity” and AWE EU 2024 “Hong Kong Pavilion” Dissemination Seminar & Sharing Session
(This event will be held at Tencent WeStart, KOHO on 12 December 2024)
This event is held by the Hong Kong Digital Entertainment Association (HKDEA). SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations. The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency provided funding support to HKDEA to organise seminars and workshops on artificial intelligence and a five-day delegation tour in October 2024 in Vienna, Austria for 20 Hong Kong digital entertainment companies, and set up a “Hong Kong Pavilion” at the Augmented World Expo (AWE) EU 2024. The project aims at assisting local digital entertainment companies in keeping abreast of the latest development and technology in the field of XR (extended reality), and exploring new markets by providing a platform for these companies to showcase their products and technologies. This seminar & sharing session will invite experts from the AI and gaming industries to delve into the latest developments in the field and the Pavilion participating companies to share their fruitful experience and key takeaways. (This session will be conducted in Cantonese)
More Details and Registration
II. Indoor Air Quality Management for Catering Industries (Seminar)
(This seminar will be held at the HKPC Building on 17 December 2024)
This seminar is held by the Indoor Air Quality Information Centre under Environmental Protection Department. SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations. This seminar aims to introduce the voluntary "Indoor Air Quality Certification Scheme for Offices and Public Places" to owners, managers and employees of catering industries with Mechanical Ventilation and Air Conditioning in their premises, as well as to share relevant indoor air quality management measures. (This seminar will be conducted in Cantonese)
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III. Seminar on “Global Economic and Hong Kong’s Export Outlook in 2025”
(This seminar will be held at JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong on 8 January 2025)
This seminar is organised by the Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation (HKECIC). SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations. This seminar will share the 2025 global economic outlook, global and Hong Kong export trade development prospects, and bright spots and opportunities of cross-border e-commerce, and discuss now Hong Kong exports may leverage HKECIC – D&B Export Credit Risk Index and ESG strategies for sustainable export growth. (This seminar will be conducted in Cantonese.)
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IV. Pitch to Impress (Online Course)
(This course will be live-streamed on 9 January 2025)
This course is offered by the HKPC. SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations. This online course will explain techniques on how to pitch to impress others. (This course will be conducted in Cantonese.)
More Details
V. Led by Technology: Application prospects of low-altitude economy in Hong Kong 2025 (Seminar)
(This seminar will be held at the HKPC Building on 10 January 2025)
This seminar is organised by the Hong Kong Shippers’ Council (HKSC). SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations. HKSC’s project titled “Empower the logistics industry and Hong Kong enterprises to implement digital transformation and achieve competency in Hong Kong” is funded under the Trade and Industrial Organisation Support Fund. This is one of the eight thematic seminars of the project to introduce the digital solutions for the logistic process in the supply chain. This seminar will discuss how SMEs can implement green and low-carbon supply chains and transform their businesses, as well as focus on the diversified development and prospects of “low-altitude economy”. (This seminar will be conducted in Cantonese.)
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VI. 2024 Hong Kong Awards for Environmental Excellence
This award is jointly organised by the Environmental Campaign Committee, the Environment and Ecology Bureau, the Advisory Council on the Environment, the Business Environment Council, the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong, the Federation of Hong Kong Industries, the Hong Kong Chinese Importers' & Exporters' Association, the Hong Kong Council of Social Service, the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce and the HKPC. SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations. The award aims to encourage companies and organisations to adopt green management, benchmark their performance with the best practices within their sectors and recognise the achievements of the best-performing companies and organisations. All organisations and their key management / operation functions in Hong Kong are generally eligible to apply, with reference to their core business fulfilling the definition of respective sector(s). The award is now open for application until 14 January 2025.
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Abolition of MPF Offsetting: Dismissing employees before and having new hires after does NOT save Severance Payment/Long Service Payment
The Government has announced the abolition of using the accrued benefits of employers’ mandatory contribution under the Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) System to offset severance payment (SP) and long service payment (LSP) (“offsetting arrangement”). Employers dismissing existing employees before the transition and employing new ones cannot save money; it may even incur additional costs. Since the abolition of MPF offsetting arrangement has no retrospective effect, employers can still use the accrued benefits of their MPF mandatory contributions to offset employees’ pre-transition portion of SP and LSP. On the contrary, employers can no longer offset SP/LSP of employees newly hired after the transition.
Furthermore, the pre-transition portion of SP/LSP will be calculated on the basis of the monthly wages immediately preceding the transition date. In other words, irrespective of the length of employment of an existing employee after the transition date and whether there is a pay rise, the pre-transition portion of SP/LSP of that employee would be the same as if the employee is terminated right before the abolition.
To learn more about the abolition of MPF offsetting arrangement and the calculation of SP/LSP, please visit the thematic website at https://www.op.labour.gov.hk/en or use the website calculating tool “EasyCal”.
Ozone Layer Protection (Amendment) Bill 2024 gazetted
The Ozone Layer Protection (Amendment) Bill 2024 (Amendment Bill) was published in the Gazette on 6 December 2024 to implement relevant requirements of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (Montreal Protocol).
The Amendment Bill will be introduced into the Legislative Council (LegCo) for first and second readings on 18 December 2024.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202412/06/P2024120600214.htm.
Private Columbaria (Amendment) Bill 2024 gazetted
The Private Columbaria (Amendment) Bill 2024 was published in the Gazette on 6 December 2024, proposing amendments that aim to enhance the current regulatory regime on private columbaria and strengthen protection of consumers' interests.
The existing Ordinance was enacted in 2017, which, through the establishment of a licensing regime, ensures private columbaria's compliance with statutory and government requirements, protects consumers, and fosters sustainable operation within the industry. The Bill will be introduced to the LegCo for its First and Second Reading on 18 December 2024, and the amendments will take effect upon Gazettal following passage of the Bill by the LegCo.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202412/06/P2024120600217.htm.
Gazettal of Stablecoins Bill
The Government published in the Gazette the Stablecoins Bill on 6 December 2024, which seeks to put in place a regulatory regime for issuers of fiat-referenced stablecoins (FRS) in Hong Kong.
The Bill aims to enhance the regulatory framework for virtual asset (VA) activities, by addressing the potential financial stability risks posed by FRS, ensuring adequate user protection, and harnessing the potential benefits of VAs and their underlying technologies. Under the proposed licensing regime, any person carrying on any of the following activities has to be licensed by the Monetary Authority (MA):
(i) issuing FRS in Hong Kong in the course of business;
(ii) issuing FRS that purport to maintain a stable value with reference to Hong Kong dollars in the course of business; or
(iii) actively marketing the person's issue of FRS to the public of Hong Kong.
The Bill also seeks to provide the MA with necessary supervision, investigation and enforcement powers for effective implementation of the regime.
The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, said, "The legislative proposal is essential for Hong Kong in fulfilling our obligations as a member of the Financial Stability Board. Adhering to the 'same activity, same risks, same regulation' principle, this risk-based proposal aims to promote a robust regulatory environment, which is in line with Hong Kong's approach to VA development."
The Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Mr Eddie Yue, said, "We have undertaken extensive consultations and given due consideration to the views of the industry when formulating the details of the 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 Bill will be introduced into the Legislative Council for first reading on 18 December 2024.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202412/06/P2024120500406.htm.
HKMA and SAMA deepen financial co-operation between Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) held a bilateral meeting in Hong Kong on 5 December 2024 to further strengthen the bilateral co-operation between the financial services sectors of the two jurisdictions.
During the meeting, the HKMA and the SAMA engaged in an in-depth discussion covering several major areas, including financial infrastructure development, supervisory technology adoption, global investment outlook and opportunities, and experience in economic research.
The meeting followed an earlier bilateral meeting between the HKMA and the SAMA, held in Riyadh in July 2023.
The Chief Executive of the HKMA, Mr Eddie Yue, said, "We are delighted to welcome the SAMA delegation to Hong Kong. Connectivity between Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia has been growing in recent years. We look forward to strengthening our partnership with the SAMA and continuing our exchange in areas of mutual interest, to further enhance the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong's roles as the gateways between the Middle East and Asia."
The Governor of the SAMA, Mr Ayman Al-Sayari, said, "The bilateral meeting reinforced the continuous co-operation between our central banks, highlighting our shared commitment to fostering international collaboration, sharing knowledge, and driving innovation to support a robust and resilient financial system. We look forward to deepening our dialogue with the HKMA through ongoing exchanges of views, experiences, and policy insights."
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202412/06/P2024120600182.htm.
Protection of the Harbour (Amendment) Bill 2024 gazetted
The Government gazetted the Protection of the Harbour (Amendment) Bill 2024 (the Bill) on 6 December 2024. By amending the existing legislation, the Bill seeks to, on the one hand, set out a clearer mechanism to regulate reclamations in the Victoria Harbour (the Harbour), in particular large-scale reclamations, for protecting the Harbour, and on the other hand, streamline the mechanism for small-scale reclamations which improve the Victoria Harbour to facilitate and promote harbourfront enhancement for public enjoyment and to strengthen harbour functions. The streamlined mechanism will also be applicable to non-permanent reclamations in the Harbour.
The Bill will be introduced into the LegCo for first reading on 11 December 2024.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202412/05/P2024120500592.htm.
Public consultation on proposed enhancements to Banking Ordinance (deadline: 28 January 2025)
The HKMA launched a public consultation on 5 December 2024 on proposed enhancements to the Banking Ordinance (Cap. 155).
The Hong Kong banking system is robust, resilient and well regulated. However, given the rapid developments in the banking sector and the evolving domestic and international regulatory and supervisory landscape, it is important that the HKMA reviews and assesses the policy and legal framework for banking regulation and supervision in Hong Kong from time to time, so as to enable the Monetary Authority (MA) to effectively discharge his functions under the Banking Ordinance, especially in promoting the general stability and effective working of the banking system.
Against this backdrop, the HKMA has recently conducted a review of the Banking Ordinance to: (i) reflect developments in banking industry practices, and regulatory and supervisory approaches, both globally and domestically; (ii) address specific issues identified from Hong Kong's supervisory experience in the past; and (iii) continue the process of aligning the system of regulation in Hong Kong with that of other major financial centres.
The Banking Ordinance review focuses specifically on six priority areas where amendments and enhancements to the Banking Ordinance are considered timely and necessary. The aim is to enable the MA and the Hong Kong banking industry to better meet risks and challenges in times ahead.
The HKMA has earlier concluded public consultations on two enhancement proposals, in relation to: simplification of the three-tier banking system into two-tier, and information sharing among authorized institutions (AIs) on customers, accounts and transactions for the purpose of preventing and detecting financial crime. Relevant consultation conclusions were published on 5 August 2024 and 30 September 2024, respectively. In addition, the HKMA is reviewing the MA's enforcement powers, and an industry consultation is being conducted.
The public consultation paper issued on 5 December 2024 sets out the enhancement proposals in three other aspects, which are: establishing a statutory regime for the regulation and supervision of designated locally incorporated holding companies of locally incorporated AIs; allowing flexibility for the MA to engage skilled persons for assisting the MA in the performance of his functions under the Banking Ordinance; and introducing a number of technical amendments.
This consultation paper also includes proposed amendments to two other ordinances which have particular relevance for the banking sector, namely the Financial Institutions (Resolution) Ordinance (Cap. 628) and the Hong Kong Association of Banks Ordinance (Cap. 364).
The public consultation commences on 5 December 2024 and will last until 28 January 2025. The consultation paper is available on the HKMA website. Interested parties are invited to submit their comments by email to bo_review_consult@hkma.gov.hk or by post on or before the deadline.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202412/05/P2024120500241.htm.
LCSD's Subvention Scheme for New Sports in year 2025-26 opens for application (deadline: 13 January 2025)
To implement the policy measure relating to boosting sports promotion in the community as announced in the 2024 Policy Address, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) will regularise the Pilot Scheme on Subvention for New Sports and launch the Subvention Scheme for New Sports (SSNS) in 2025-26 for application by eligible sports organisations. The measure will support the long-term development of new sports. The SSNS is open for application from 5 December 2024 until 13 January 2025.
For enquiries, please contact the Sports Funding Office of the LCSD at 2601 8756 or email ssns@lcsd.gov.hk. Please visit the LCSD's website (www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/programmes/programmeslist/sss/ssns.html) for details.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202412/05/P2024120500166.htm.
Protection of Critical Infrastructures (Computer Systems) Bill gazetted
A spokesman for the Security Bureau said that the Government will publish the Protection of Critical Infrastructures (Computer Systems) Bill in the Gazette on 6 December 2024 and introduce it into the LegCo for First Reading and Second Reading on 11 December 2024.
The spokesman said, "Critical infrastructures are infrastructures that are necessary for the maintenance of normal functioning of society and the normal life of the people. The Bill seeks to impose statutory requirements on designated operators of critical infrastructures to ensure they take appropriate measures to protect their computer systems and minimise the chance of essential services being disrupted or compromised due to cyberattacks, thereby maintaining the normal functioning of Hong Kong society and the normal life of the people. This is conducive to enhancing overall computer-system security in Hong Kong.
"The statutory obligations under the Bill are grouped into three categories, namely, organisational obligations, preventive obligations, and incident reporting and response obligations. Operators of critical infrastructures are required to set up dedicated management units to oversee their computer-system security, and take preventive measures to enhance their resilience against cyberattacks. When a computer-system security incident occurs, the operator shall report it to the Commissioner's Office responsible for enforcing the Ordinance, and at the same time take its own response measures to restore the systems in accordance with the emergency response plan it submitted. The Commissioner's Office may provide timely assistance and take remedial measures to contain the problem and minimise the chance of affecting other critical infrastructures, so as to maintain the normal operations in Hong Kong society and the normal life of the people."
The spokesman emphasised, "In drafting the Bill, reference has been made to relevant legislation of other jurisdictions to establish a regulatory model suitable for Hong Kong. The operators of critical infrastructures to be regulated will be those necessary for the continuous provision of essential services or maintaining critical societal and economic activities in Hong Kong, most of which are large organisations. Small and medium enterprises and the general public will not be regulated. The purpose of these statutory obligations to be imposed is to safeguard the security of the computer systems that are critical to the core functions of the critical infrastructure, and in no way target personal data and trade secrets."
The spokesman added, "The Security Bureau has started consulting various stakeholders since 2023 and has organised more than 30 consultation sessions so far. The Bureau also consulted the Panel on Security of the Legislative Council in July this year (2024) and launched a one-month consultation exercise. The Bureau reported the outcome of the consultation to the Panel on Security of the Legislative Council in October this year (2024) and incorporated the views received into the Bill as appropriate. On the whole, the stakeholders and society have responded positively to the legislation."
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202412/04/P2024120400297.htm.
Public consultation on proposed updates to safety standards for toys and children's products launched (deadline: 2 January 2025)
The Government launched a public consultation on the proposed updates to Schedules 1 and 2 to the Toys and Children's Products Safety Ordinance (Cap. 424) on 2 December 2024 to implement up-to-date safety standards promulgated by the relevant standardisation bodies for toys and children's products listed in Schedule 2 (Schedule 2 products).
The Ordinance stipulates that a person must not manufacture, import or supply a toy or a Schedule 2 product unless it complies with all the applicable requirements contained in any one of the safety standards (international standards or standards adopted by major economies) specified in Schedule 1 (applicable to toys) or Schedule 2 (applicable to Schedule 2 products) to the Ordinance. The Government keeps in view any updates or amendments to the safety standards so as to apply up-to-date and operative versions of the standards to toys and Schedule 2 products supplied in Hong Kong.
As the safety standards specified for toys and for seven classes of Schedule 2 products, namely (i) babies' dummies; (ii) baby walking frames; (iii) bottle teats; (iv) bunk beds for domestic use; (v) carry cots and similar handled products and stands; (vi) children's paints; and (vii) wheeled child conveyances have been updated, the Government proposes to adopt the up-to-date versions of those safety standards under the Ordinance. Details of the proposals are available on the website of the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau at www.cedb.gov.hk.
Members of the public are welcome to send their views on the proposals in writing to the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau at 23/F, West Wing, Central Government Offices, 2 Tim Mei Avenue, Tamar, Hong Kong, or by fax to 2869 4420, or by email to tcpso_standards_updates@cedb.gov.hk, on or before 2 January 2025.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202412/02/P2024120200236.htm.
Professional Services Advancement Support Scheme invites new round of applications (deadline: 28 February 2025)
The Main Programme under the Professional Services Advancement Support Scheme (PASS) is inviting a new round of applications for project proposals starting from 1 December 2024 from non-profit-distributing organisations such as professional bodies, trade and industrial organisations and research institutes.
PASS, with a total allocation of $200 million, aims at funding non-profit-making industry-led projects to increase exchanges and co-operation between Hong Kong's professional services and external counterparts, promote relevant publicity activities, and enhance the standards and external competitiveness of Hong Kong's professional services.
The maximum grant for each approved project under the Main Programme of PASS is $3 million or 90 per cent of the total eligible project cost, whichever is lower. A wide range of professional services, such as accounting, legal and dispute resolution, architecture, engineering, healthcare, information and communications technology, design and technical testing and analysis, are eligible for the Main Programme. Sector-specific projects and cross-sectoral projects are both welcome. Expenses directly incurred for implementing a project, such as manpower costs, venue and set-up costs, production and promotion costs, and the project team and active participants' travel and accommodation costs outside Hong Kong are typically eligible for funding support under the Scheme. Funding support may also be provided for travel and accommodation costs incurred by participants of relatively longer professional internships or attachment programmes outside Hong Kong which are funded by the Main Programme.
Up to early November 2024, over 110 projects had been funded under the Main Programme, including project deliverables in and outside Hong Kong. The deliverables include capacity-building programmes for enhancing the standards of local professionals, such as training programmes, workshops and study tours; outreach and promotional activities for showcasing the strengths of Hong Kong's professional services, such as roadshows, promotional seminars and participation in exhibitions outside Hong Kong; exchange activities for deepening interaction between Hong Kong professionals and their external counterparts, such as visits to other economies and international conferences and seminars held in Hong Kong; and research projects on potential external markets for Hong Kong professional services and development of best practice guidelines and manuals for professionals. Details about the Main Programme and its funded projects are available at www.pass.gov.hk/main/en/home.
Furthermore, with a view to stepping up the promotion of Hong Kong's competitive edges and professional services to Mainland cities (including those in the GBA) and overseas markets, $50 million has been set aside for the Professionals Participation Subsidy Programme (PSP) under PASS to subsidise Hong Kong major professional bodies to participate in relevant activities organised by the Government (such as Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council after the pandemic situation has stabilised. Details of the PSP and its latest list of eligible activities are available at www.pass.gov.hk/psp. Hong Kong professionals from the eligible professional sectors under PASS may make use of the PSP subsidy to join the relevant activities.
The Main Programme and the PSP receive applications for project and activity proposals all year round and they are processed on a quarterly basis. The deadline for the new round of applications is 28 February 2025. A briefing session will be held this month for organisations interested in applying for PASS funding. One-on-one consultations are also available upon request for discussing preliminary project ideas or projects currently in the planning stage. For registration for the briefing session, scheduling a consultation session or other enquiries, please contact the PASS Secretariat at 3655 5418 or pass@cedb.gov.hk.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202412/01/P2024120100205.htm.
Official launch of Mainland-Hong Kong "Single Submission for Dual Declaration" Scheme on cargo
The General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (GACC) and Hong Kong Customs have been promoting the development of cargo clearance facilitation between the two places, working together to extend their areas of cross-border co-operation. The two Customs administrations officially launched the Mainland-Hong Kong "Single Submission for Dual Declaration" Scheme on cargo on 29 November 2024, extending the coverage of the "Single Submission for Dual Declaration" Scheme on cargo to all land boundary control points connecting the Mainland and Hong Kong, enabling more enterprises to benefit from the completion of Customs declarations for both the Mainland and Hong Kong sides by making a single submission of road cargo information.
In November 2023, the two Customs administrations signed the Co-operative Arrangement on Smart Customs Development between the GACC and Hong Kong Customs, designating the "Single Submission for Dual Declaration" Scheme on cargo as one of the key co-operation projects. Subsequently, the two sides launched the Guangdong-Hong Kong "Single Submission for Dual Declaration" Scheme on cargo and its extended coverage in February and October 2024 respectively, covering cargo passing between the Mainland and Hong Kong through the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Port.
With a view to extending the scheme, the two Customs administrations recently launched a trial run of the Mainland-Hong Kong "Single Submission for Dual Declaration" Scheme on cargo, involving three participating enterprises, at the Shenzhen Bay Control Point and the Heung Yuen Wai Boundary Control Point. These enterprises submitted cargo information to the China International Trade Single Window. The cargo information was then encrypted and automatically sent to the Hong Kong Road Cargo System, from which the enterprises retrieved relevant cargo information for completing a local Customs declaration. The participating enterprises noted that the function of the scheme not only ensured the accuracy of cargo information declared for both the Mainland and Hong Kong sides but also helped them save time and manpower required for declarations and minimise operating costs.
Currently, the scheme applies to cargo imported from the Mainland to Hong Kong through all land boundary control points. Hong Kong Customs will continue to work closely with the GACC to further extend the coverage of the scheme to cargo exported from Hong Kong to the Mainland, thereby providing comprehensive coverage of road cargo clearance between both places.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202411/29/P2024112900242.htm.
Fourth phase of Mandatory Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme took full effect on 1 December
The fourth phase of the Mandatory Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme (MEELS) was fully implemented on 1 December 2024 to include light emitting diode (LED) lamps, gas cookers and gas instantaneous water heaters.
MEELS was introduced in May 2008 under the Energy Efficiency (Labelling of Products) Ordinance (Cap. 598) (Ordinance), which requires energy labels to be shown on all prescribed products for supply in Hong Kong. The energy labels classify the energy performance of prescribed products into five grades. Products with a Grade 1 energy label are the most energy-efficient. With this concise and easy-to-understand label, consumers can make informed decisions in purchasing more energy-efficient products. Any person who supplies a prescribed product that does not properly bear an energy label or is not a 'listed model' under the Ordinance will commit an offence, and is liable to a fine of $100,000. The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) will inspect retail shops to ensure compliance with the legislation.
Taking the fourth phase into account, MEELS covers a total of 11 types of products, including room air conditioners, refrigerating appliances, compact fluorescent lamps, washing machines, dehumidifiers, televisions, storage type electric water heaters, induction cookers, LED lamps, gas cookers and gas instantaneous water heaters. The fourth phase of MEELS came into effect on 1 September 2023, with a transitional period of 15 months. Upon the implementation of the fourth phase, the additional potential annual energy saving is estimated to be around 570 terajoules (around 160 million kilowatt-hours), equivalent to a reduction of about 75 000 tonnes of carbon emissions per year. The total energy consumption in the residential sector covered by MEELS will substantially increase from about 50 per cent to about 80 per cent.
For more details of MEELS and information on the listed models, please visit the EMSD’s website (www.emsd.gov.hk/energylabel).
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202411/29/P2024112900141.htm.
Revised Code of Practice for Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces took effect on 30 November
The revised Code of Practice for Safety and Health at Work in Confined Spaces (CoP) officially took effect on 30 November 2024. The CoP was gazetted on 31 May, and a grace period of six months was provided to allow sufficient time for the industry to understand and prepare for the revised requirements.
During the grace period, the Labour Department (LD) has strengthened its publicity and promotions, as well as education and training, through various channels such as the LD's website, the "OSH 2.0" mobile application, and a series of talks and seminars organised with relevant organisations to facilitate the industry's better understanding of the CoP's content.
The major revisions of the CoP include the enhancement of requirements for proprietors' or contractors' supervision on confined space work; highlighting the factors for assessing whether a particular job constitutes underground pipework; adding a detailed template on the risk assessment form and listing out the setting of an air-monitoring alarm; and an update on the Permit-to-work Certificate template. New requirements have also been added to the revised CoP, such as requiring proprietors or contractors to adopt technology to record videos at the entrance and exit of the confined space throughout the entire work period to enhance monitoring relevant personnel's compliance with the safety precautions.
Meanwhile, the LD has refined the mandatory safety training courses for confined space operations to enhance the industry's understanding of common risks and its ability to mitigate these risks, which includes updating the course content, extending the course duration and shortening the validity period of the relevant safety certificates so that industry personnel will refresh their safety knowledge more frequently and stay updated on new legislative developments. The revised courses were launched on 30 November.
A spokesman for the LD said, "After the commencement of the revised CoP, the LD will continue to conduct surprise inspections at workplaces with confined spaces from time to time to review the relevant work processes and safety precautions implemented to ensure the safety and health of workers."
The spokesman added, "The CoP has a special legal status. In criminal proceedings, if a relevant person fails to observe any provisions of this CoP, that failure may be taken by the court as a relevant factor in determining whether or not a person has breached the relevant occupational safety and health legislation."
For more information on working in confined spaces, or to download the revised CoP, please visit the LD's new thematic website (www.labour.gov.hk/eng/news/osh_confinedspace.htm). Enquiries about the CoP can be made at 2559 2297.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202411/29/P2024112800261.htm.
HKSARG warmly welcomes Central Government's resumption and expansion of multiple-entry Individual Visit Scheme for Shenzhen
A Government spokesman said on 29 November 2024 that the HKSARG warmly welcomes and is grateful for the Central Government's support in resuming the multiple-entry Individual Visit Scheme (IVS) for Shenzhen permanent residents and implementing a new arrangement to expand the multiple-entry IVS to Shenzhen residence permit holders on 1 December, allowing them to visit Hong Kong more conveniently and freely, further adding new momentum to Hong Kong's tourism, catering, retail, and other industries.
In the past, Shenzhen only allowed its permanent residents to visit Hong Kong under a "one trip per week" IVS. The resumption of the multiple-entry IVS removes restrictions on the number of visits for IVS holders. Starting from 1 December, eligible individuals will be expanded from Shenzhen permanent residents to Shenzhen non-permanent residents holding residence permits. According to published statistics, the resumption and expansion of the multiple-entry IVS for Shenzhen residents will increase the number of Shenzhen residents eligible for the multiple-entry IVS to over 10 million, enabling them to visit Hong Kong more conveniently and freely and experience Hong Kong's diverse and vibrant tourism activities throughout the year, benefitting various tourism-related industries such as retail and catering.
The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, said, "I wish to express my gratitude towards the Central Government's continuous care and support for Hong Kong, valuing and considering HKSARG's proposals, and continuing to roll out series of new measures benefitting Hong Kong. In my Policy Address, I proposed requesting the Central Government to further enhance arrangements for Mainland residents visiting Hong Kong, including the resumption of the multiple-entry IVS for Shenzhen residents. I thank the relevant ministries of the Central Government for their active research and accelerated processing, enabling these measures to be swiftly implemented within a short period and bringing good news to the HKSARG."
To ensure the smooth implementation of the new arrangements on 1 December, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, chaired an interdepartmental meeting on 28 November to co-ordinate and instruct various departments to make preparations on all fronts and co-ordinate with each other to ensure the smooth operation of border control points, tourist facilities, and public transportation networks, with a view to providing visitors with a pleasant travel experience.
The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, said, "The Central Government has been providing support for Hong Kong's economy and tourism development. IVS visitors are significant driving forces for the development of tourism-related industries in Hong Kong. The resumption of the multiple-entry IVS for Shenzhen permanent residents and the expansion to Shenzhen non-permanent residents holding residence permits will substantially increase the number of visitors to Hong Kong, further stimulate Hong Kong's tourism, retail, and catering industries, and create new impetus for Hong Kong's economy. The Hong Kong Tourism Board will strengthen publicity about Hong Kong in Shenzhen and launch online platform promotions with a view to attracting more Shenzhen visitors to Hong Kong."
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202411/29/P2024112900305.htm.
HKMA launches Digital Bond Grant Scheme
The HKMA launched on 28 November 2024 the Digital Bond Grant Scheme (DBGS), which was announced in the 2024 Policy Address.
The DBGS aims to promote the development of the digital securities market and encourage broader adoption of tokenisation technology in capital market transactions. Subject to the satisfaction of relevant eligibility requirements under the DBGS, a maximum grant of HK$2.5 million will be offered to each eligible digital bond issuance in Hong Kong.
Following industry consultation, the HKMA has set out the details of the DBGS in the Guideline on the Digital Bond Grant Scheme. The DBGS started accepting applications on 28 November, with an initial period of three years.
inSight: Eddie Yue on Project Evergreen: From concept to application
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202411/28/P2024112800181.htm.
Home and Youth Affairs Bureau launches new round of Funding Scheme for International Youth Exchange (deadline: 30 December 2024)
The Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) and the Youth Development Commission (YDC) jointly launched the Funding Scheme for International Youth Exchange 2025-26 on 27 November 2024. Eligible non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are invited to submit applications.
The Government attaches great importance to youth development. The HYAB promulgated the Youth Development Blueprint at the end of 2022, which states that the Government will further strengthen the breadth and depth of the Mainland and international internship and exchange programmes with a view to enhancing young people's understanding of the development of the country and the world. Through the Funding Scheme for International Youth Exchange, the HYAB and the YDC provide funding for NGOs to organise international exchange projects for Hong Kong young people to broaden their global exposure and their understanding of the history, culture and the latest developments of different places. The funding scheme also covers exchange projects to the regions along the Belt and Road to promote cultural exchanges and foster people-to-people bonds. Launched earlier in 2024, the Pilot Scheme on Subsidy to Grassroots Youth for Participating in Exchange Activities Outside Hong Kong will also continue to provide additional subsidies to grassroots youth with financial needs to participate in exchange projects under the 2025-26 funding scheme.
Details and application forms of the new round of the funding scheme are available on the YDC website (www.ydc.gov.hk/en/programmes/ep/ep_fundingschemeinternational.html). Interested NGOs should submit their applications on or before 30 December.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202411/27/P2024112700400.htm.
ACAD launches 14th-round funding exercise of Arts Capacity Development Funding Scheme (deadline: 6pm, 22 January 2025)
The 14th-round funding exercise under the Arts Capacity Development Funding Scheme (ACDFS) is open for application from 27 November 2024 and will close at 6pm on 22 January 2025.
Applications can be submitted online, by post or by hand. The Guide to Application and relevant materials have been uploaded to the website of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (www.cstb.gov.hk). The Secretariat of the ACDFS will arrange a briefing session on 11 December at the Hong Kong Central Library. Representatives of the Advisory Committee on Arts Development (ACAD) and successful applicants in previous rounds will attend to share experiences with potential applicants. Details can be found on the above website. The application results are expected to be released around July 2025.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202411/27/P2024112700185.htm.
Aviation Security Ordinance (Amendment of Schedule 1) Order 2024 gazetted
The Government published the Aviation Security Ordinance (Amendment of Schedule 1) Order 2024 (the Order) in the Gazette on 29 November 2024.
A spokesperson for the Security Bureau said on 27 November that Schedule 1 of the Aviation Security Ordinance (the Ordinance) specifies a list of countries or territories to which the Convention on Offences and certain other Acts Committed on Board Aircraft, signed in Tokyo on 14 September 1963 (the Tokyo Convention), applies. The purpose of the Tokyo Convention is to protect the safety of aircraft and that of the persons or property thereon, and to maintain good order and discipline on board.
As the International Civil Aviation Organization would update the above list from time to time, the Government would update Schedule 1 to the Ordinance accordingly to reflect any changes. The purpose of the Order is to give effect to the updated list of countries or territories to which the Tokyo Convention applies. The Government also takes the opportunity to update the official names of some of the countries or territories in the existing Schedule.
The Order was tabled at the LegCo for negative vetting on 4 December. Subject to the completion of the legislative procedures, the Order will come into effect on 1 March 2025.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202411/27/P2024112700233.htm.
Government releases Blueprint for Arts and Culture and Creative Industries Development
The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, promulgated the Blueprint for Arts and Culture and Creative Industries Development (the Blueprint) on 26 November 2024, setting out a clear vision, principles and strategic directions for the future development of the arts, culture and creative industries to further consolidate Hong Kong's position as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchanges.
Mr Yeung said, "The Blueprint is a comprehensive policy document of the Government on the long-term development of the arts, culture and creative industries. It sets out a clear vision, principles and strategic directions to foster future development to enhance the appeal of Hong Kong's culture, while at the same time boost citizens' sense of achievement and happiness, and further consolidate Hong Kong's position as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchanges and build a diversified cultural environment."
The Blueprint sets out four strategic directions: (1) Promote Profound Traditional Chinese Culture and Develop Cultural Contents with Hong Kong Character, (2) Develop Diverse Arts and Culture Industries with International Perspective, (3) Establish International Platforms to Foster East-meets-West Arts and Cultural Exchanges, and (4) Enhance the Ecosystem for the Arts, Culture and Creative Industries.
Mr Yeung said, "The Blueprint is a starting point for us to continue taking forward our work building on the existing foundation. The Government will maintain close communication with the sectors with an open mind to review the priorities and action plans of the strategic directions and measures, and actively and pragmatically promote the long-term development of the arts, culture and creative industries."
Mr Yeung also thanked the Culture Commission for its active participation since its establishment in March 2023. The Culture Commission has held six meetings so far, and held in-depth discussions over areas including Chinese culture promotion, international cultural exchanges, arts and cultural talent nuturing, and industry development, offering constructive and valuable advice to the Government during the formulation of the Blueprint.
The Government will collaborate with major strategic partners, different industry stakeholders and the local arts and culture community, and will drive participation of the business sector and other areas to take forward measures set out in the Blueprint and drive the development of the arts, culture and creative industries together, taking into account the continuous development of society.
The full text of the Blueprint has been uploaded to the website of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (www.cstb.gov.hk).
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202411/26/P2024112600548.htm.
For more recent news, please visit the "What's New" web page of the SUCCESS Website or the "News" web page of the SME Link.
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 Free Trade Agreement between Hong Kong and Peru, the geographical scope of funding support of the BUD Fund has been extended to Peru with effect from 16 November 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 401.
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” and "E-commerce Easy". 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 Peru, the other 39 economies covered under the BUD Fund are the Mainland, 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), Australia, Chile, the four member states of the European Free Trade Association (i.e. Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland), Georgia, Macao, New Zealand, Japan, Korea, Austria, Belgo-Luxembourg Economic Union, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, the Netherlands, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Türkiye and Bahrain.
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.
PostalPlus for SME by Hongkong Post
Hongkong Post (HKP) is committed to providing quality services to local SMEs. In 2003, HKP established the PostalPlus for SME. Apart from various member privileges and welcome offers, members of PostalPlus also receive eNews with the latest postal service updates. Besides, HKP organises activities such as seminars from time to time, inviting industry professionals to share relevant market intelligence and business experience with the members. For more information, please visit the website of PostalPlus for SME at https://postalplus.hongkongpost.hk/sme/eng/sme/index.htm.
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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