SUCCESS
E-newsletter
8 January 2025
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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)
More Details
"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 first half of 2025 are "E-commerce", "Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)" and "Branding". Upcoming seminar and webinar under this series are listed below. Interested persons are welcome to register at the links shown therein. Admission is Free.
I. Postal Services which support SMEs for E-commerce business (Seminar)
(This seminar will be held at Trade and Industry Tower on 17 January 2024)
This seminar is held by the SUCCESS of the TID. In this seminar, the speakers will introduce the latest local and non-local services offered by Hongkong Post and the collaboration between China Post Hong Kong and Hongkong Post on Douyin platform, with a view to assisting SMEs in business development. (This seminar will be conducted in Cantonese and Putonghua.)
More Details and Registration
II. T-box Workshop: “Future Trends in Branding: How AI and Intellectual Property Strategies Can Drive Brand Growth” (Webinar)
(This webinar will be live-streamed on 22 January 2025)
This webinar is held by the “SME Centre” under the HKTDC. In this webinar, an expert will analyse future trends in branding from the perspectives of intellectual property (IP) and artificial intelligence (AI), the issue of IP ownership of AI-generated products, and how IP can sustain brand development. (This webinar will be conducted in Cantonese.)
More Details and Registration (in Chinese Only)
SUCCESS Activity
Business Opportunities in Latin America and Free Trade Agreement between Hong Kong and Peru (Seminar)
(This seminar will be held at Trade and Industry Tower on 24 January 2025)
This seminar is held by the “SUCCESS” of the TID. It aims to help enterprises to explore trade and business opportunities in Peru and Latin America, and to understand the recently signed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Hong Kong and Peru. Speakers will share market insights, as well as introduce the key benefits of the FTA and a relevant Government funding scheme (“the BUD Fund”), with a view to assisting enterprises in grasping the business opportunities brought by the FTA and expanding their business in the relevant markets. (This seminar will be conducted in Cantonese and English.)
More Details and Registration
SUCCESS-supported Activities
I. 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.)
More Details
II. Workshop Series on "Tech x Creativity" - 1. "Enhancing Content Quality with AI" Workshop, 2. "Creating Value from Data in the Era of WEB3.0 and AI" Workshop and 3. "Exploring Immersive Art and Story Experiences in XR" Workshop
(Workshop 1 will be held at Tencent WeStart, KOHO on 14 January 2025)
(Workshop 2 will be held at Tencent WeStart, KOHO on 22 January 2025)
(Workshop 3 will be held at Tencent WeStart, KOHO on 18 February 2025)
1. "Enhancing Content Quality with AI" Workshop will discuss how generative AI can optimise the creative process and how to use AI to create low-cost, high-quality images and videos.
2. "Creating Value from Data in the Era of WEB3.0 and AI" Workshop will explore topics such as the decentralised data economy of WEB3.0, the role of personal data in the wave of AI development, case studies on measuring and creating data value, and how to earn passive income through data sharing.
3. "Exploring Immersive Art and Story Experiences in XR" Workshop will demonstrate how to use augmented reality technology to create immersive experiences, applications in gaming environments, and story creation.
This workshop series will be conducted in Cantonese.
More Details and Registration
III. Webinar on Competition Ordinance
(This webinar will be live-streamed on 15 January 2025)
This webinar is organised by the Competition Commission. SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations. In this webinar, representatives from the Competition Commission will provide an overview of the Competition Ordinance, dos and don’ts under the Ordinance, red flags of anti-competitive practices and Leniency and Cooperation Policies, as well as competition law case studies. (This webinar will be conducted in Cantonese.)
More Details
IV. Get Hong Kong Ready for a Professional Hub on Smart Procurement and Fulfillment - Procure-tech Workshop
(This workshop will be held at the HKPC Building on 21 January 2025)
This workshop is held by the HKPC and the Institute of Purchasing & Supply of Hong Kong (IPSHK). SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations. This workshop will teach participants how to use AI to automate work with an aim to improving efficiency and accuracy of procurement work. (This workshop will be conducted in Cantonese.)
More Details (in Chinese only)
V. 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.
More Details
Intellectual Property Department: IP Training Programmes “IP302 IP Valuation” and “IP103 Registration and application procedure of IP rights in Hong Kong”
(IP302 will be held at the VTC Tower, Wan Chai on 14 January 2025)
(IP103 will be held at the VTC Tower, Wan Chai on 26 Febuary 2025)
These two IP courses offered by the Intellectual Property Department are now open for registration here.
“IP302 IP Valuation” aims to introduce the concept of IP valuation and its application in managing and optimising the IP asset portfolios, providing participants with an overview of the core valuation concepts, key methodologies and relevant strategies related to IP valuation. (The medium of instruction will be Cantonese, supplemented with English terms.)
“IP103 Registration and application procedure of IP rights in Hong Kong” introduces the IP registration system in Hong Kong, enabling participants to comprehend the registration and application procedures of various IP rights and thereby formulate effective IP registration strategies for the enterprises. (The medium of instruction will be Cantonese, supplemented with English terms.)
Interested participants may first enroll in the “IP Manager Scheme PLUS” for free by filling out an online form to get priority in course registration. Registration fee for the courses is waived for members of the Scheme. Participants will receive a certificate upon completion of the respective training course.
Number of applications of Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles to be processed increased on 2 January 2025
The Transport Department (TD) announced on 2 January 2025 that as mutually agreed between the governments of Guangdong and Hong Kong, starting from 2 January 2025, the number of applications of Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles (the Scheme) to be processed on each working day will be increased from 400 to 500, aiming to better cope with the needs of new and renewal applications.
A spokesman for the TD said that the eligibility, procedures and balloting of applications of the Scheme remain unchanged. The streamlined renewal arrangements implemented since May 2024 will also be continued, allowing applicants eligible for the renewal of Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles to apply for renewal without having to participate in a computer ballot. Applicants may refer to the Scheme's website (www.hzmbqfs.gov.hk) or the Renewal Application page (www.hzmbqfs.gov.hk/en/RenewalApplication) for details.
The governments of Guangdong and Hong Kong will continue to monitor the operation of Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles and maintain close liaison with relevant departments to review and enhance the arrangements of the Scheme in a timely manner.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202501/02/P2024123100248.htm.
Development Bureau invites market to submit expression of interest regarding pilot areas of large-scale land disposal in Northern Metropolis
The Development Bureau (DEVB) on 31 December 2024 invites the market to submit expression of interest (EOI) within three months for the three pilot areas of large-scale land disposal in the Northern Metropolis (NM).
It is a new attempt to adopt the large-scale land disposal approach in the NM. The Government hopes to collect market views and suggestions in order to finalise the open tender details and conditions later, with the target to commence the tendering work for the three pilot areas progressively from the second half of 2025 to 2026. The brochure of the invitation for EOI sets out a baseline scenario for each of the pilot areas with specific development requirements to facilitate enterprises interested in participating in the development to express their opinions. Besides, the Government welcomes the market to put forward innovative and feasible suggestions to make good use of the large-scale land disposal approach to enable a more in-depth and substantial participation in industry development in the NM.
The Chinese and English versions of the brochure of the invitation for EOI have been uploaded onto the websites of the NM (www.nm.gov.hk/en/northern-metropolis#s5) and the Lands Department (www.landsd.gov.hk). Interested enterprises must deposit their EOI in the designated box of Room 2129-30, 21/F, North Point Government Offices, 333 Java Road, North Point, Hong Kong, by noon on 31 March 2025 (Monday).
The DEVB will hold a briefing session on the EOI invitation on 16 January 2025 (Thursday). For details of the briefing, please refer to the brochure of the invitation for EOI.
The DEVB announced on 29 November information of the three pilot areas of large-scale land disposal in Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area, Fanling North New Development Area and San Tin Technopole. The relevant information has been uploaded onto the website of the NM (www.nm.gov.hk/en/northern-metropolis#s5).
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202412/31/P2024123100113.htm.
DEVB launches consultation on proposals to amend Buildings Ordinance
The DEVB launched the public consultation exercise on 31 December 2024 for the proposals to amend the Buildings Ordinance (BO), with proposed amendments in three aspects, namely expediting building inspection and repair, rationalising the policy on handling unauthorised building works, and enhancing construction safety. The target is to introduce an amendment bill in the first half of 2026. An electronic version of the consultation document is available on the website of the DEVB (www.devb.gov.hk/en/issues_in_focus/proposals-to-amend-the-buildings-ordinance/index.html).
The DEVB briefed the Legislative Council (LegCo) Panel on Development in mid-December on the proposals, and members generally agreed with the proposed directions of review. For details, please refer to the LegCo discussion paper (www.legco.gov.hk/yr2024/english/panels/dev/papers/dev20241218cb1-1681-1-e.pdf) or the press release on the day the paper was issued (www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202412/13/P2024121300735.htm).
The DEVB will arrange briefing sessions for the relevant stakeholders during the two-month consultation period to gather views. It also welcomes views from the public or organisations on the proposals to amend the BO via email, post or online form on or before 28 February 2025.
Email address : bo_consultation@devb.gov.hk
Mail address : Development Bureau (Planning and Lands Branch) 17/F, West Wing, Central Government Offices, 2 Tim Mei Avenue, Tamar, Hong Kong
Online form : www.devb.gov.hk/en/issues_in_focus/proposals-to-amend-the-buildings-ordinance/online-form-for-sending-us-your-views/index.html
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202412/31/P2024123100292.htm.
DH publishes Hong Kong Chinese Materia Medica Standards Volume 11
The Department of Health (DH) published the safety and quality standards for 14 commonly used Chinese Materia Medica (CMM) in Volume 11 of the Hong Kong Chinese Materia Medica Standards (HKCMMS) for public reference on 30 December 2024.
The DH will arrange briefing sessions for the Chinese medicines trade as well as representatives of laboratories to update them on HKCMMS Volume 11 and the latest research developments of the HKCMMS project.
All Volumes of the HKCMMS are now available for public access at www.cmro.gov.hk/html/eng/useful_information/hkcmms/volumes.html.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202412/30/P2024123000366.htm.
Government releases Development Blueprint for Hong Kong's Tourism Industry 2.0
The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, promulgated the Development Blueprint for Hong Kong's Tourism Industry 2.0 (Blueprint 2.0) on 30 December 2024.
The full text of Blueprint 2.0 has been uploaded to the website of the CSTB (www.cstb.gov.hk/en/).
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202412/30/P2024123000536.htm.
Preparatory work for World Intellectual Property Organization Technology and Innovation Support Centre in Hong Kong commences
The HKPC, along with 50 other service institutions on the Mainland, has been designated jointly by the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) as part of the new batch of organisations for establishing Technology and Innovation Support Centres (TISCs) and will commence preparatory work that will span a period of one year.
Upon completion of the establishment period, the CNIPA and WIPO will conduct an evaluation and authorise the HKPC to officially operate the TISC in Hong Kong after confirming that the required conditions are met.
A spokesman for the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau said, "We welcome the designation of the HKPC as an organisation for establishing the TISC by the CNIPA and WIPO. The Government will support the HKPC in taking forward the preparatory work, striving for the commencement of operations at the centre next year (2025) at the earliest to provide assistance and services to the trade, with a view to further promoting Hong Kong's development as a regional intellectual property (IP) trading centre and an international innovation and technology centre."
Under a dedicated programme of the WIPO Development Agenda, TISCs are established to support researchers and innovators at different stages of the innovation cycle by providing them with consultation services on a wide range of information in areas including patent utilisation, search analysis, technology transfer, IP management and commercialisation, thereby helping them make use of the IP system (especially by means of patents) to protect their inventions and guiding them in bringing technology to market.
More than 100 TISCs have been established on the Mainland under the dedicated programme. The Government has responded positively by participating in the programme and has set aside funding to support the HKPC to establish and operate the TISC in Hong Kong in the first three years as announced in the 2024-25 Budget, enabling Hong Kong to better integrate into national development.
The TISC in Hong Kong will focus on providing local start-ups and small and medium enterprises with high-quality IP (especially patents) information and services to assist them in exploring their innovation potential and creating, protecting, managing and commercialising their IPs, with a view to protecting research and development outcomes and promoting IP trading.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202412/30/P2024123000386.htm.
Dentists participating in primary healthcare programmes must be enlisted in Primary Care Directory and join eHealth from 2 January 2025
The Health Bureau (HHB) encouraged dentists who wish to participate in government-subsidised primary healthcare programmes to enlist in the Primary Care Directory (PCD) and join eHealth as soon as possible to provide their patients with subsidised services under the relevant programmes on 30 December 2024.
To further implement the policy direction set out in the Primary Healthcare Blueprint and enhance the quality of services, starting from 2 January 2025, dentists participating in government-subsidised primary healthcare programmes such as the Elderly Health Care Voucher Scheme (EHVS) and the Primary Dental Co-care Pilot Scheme for Adolescents, to be launched in the first quarter of 2025, must have been enlisted in the PCD. Moreover, from the same day onwards, all dentists enlisted in the PCD must also join eHealth.
A two-month grace period up to 28 February 2025, will be put in place for the implementation of the new requirements. Those dentists currently participating in the EHVS but are yet to be enlisted in the PCD by the end of the two-month grace period will no longer be able to offer their patients subsidised services under the scheme. Members of the public are advised to enquire with their dentists or check online to confirm if their dentists have been enlisted in the PCD to ensure that they can continue to receive relevant subsidised services through the same dentist in the future.
Members of the public may visit the website of the PCD at apps.pcdirectory.gov.hk/public/EN to check whether their dentists are enlisted, apart from approaching their dentists directly.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202412/30/P2024123000172.htm.
OFCA and telecommunications industry join hands in launching new voice alert service to help public guard against suspicious calls
The Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) announced on 30 December 2024 that starting from 31 December, local mobile service providers will send voice alerts to local mobile and fixed services users for calls made from newly activated local prepaid SIM cards to further assist the public in staying vigilant against suspicious calls.
OFCA will continue to collaborate with the telecommunications industry and law enforcement agencies in implementing various measures to combat phone and SMS scams, as well as to strengthen public education and publicity efforts to more comprehensively disseminate anti-deception messages to all members of the public. To enhance public understanding of the new voice alert service, OFCA has launched a new series of television and radio announcements in the public interest to promote the measure. The public may also visit OFCA's thematic website for more information on preventing phone scams.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202412/30/P2024123000181.htm.
Preservatives in Food (Amendment) Regulation 2024 commences on 30 December 2024
The Preservatives in Food (Amendment) Regulation 2024 (Amendment Regulation) comes into effect on 30 December 2024, updating food safety standards in relation to preservatives and antioxidants in food.
A Government spokesman said that the Amendment Regulation has updated the definitions of "preservative" and "antioxidant" with reference to the corresponding definitions adopted by the Codex Alimentarius Commission. The list of permitted preservatives/antioxidants has also been updated, and comprises 58 preservatives/antioxidants after the legislative amendments. The number of "additive-food" pairs with specified maximum permitted levels has increased from around 900 to around 2 000.
The spokesman added that to allow sufficient time for the relevant stakeholders to adjust to the new food safety standards and for local testing laboratories to establish the capability for performing relevant tests, as well as considering the longer shelf life of processed and pre-packaged foods that may contain preservatives or antioxidants, the commencement of the Amendment Regulation will be followed by a 24-month transitional period, which will end on 29 December 2026. During this period, it will be legal for any single food item to comply wholly with the requirements of either Cap. 132BD as it was in force immediately before the commencement date or Cap. 132BD as amended by the Amendment Regulation.
For details of the Amendment Regulation, please refer to www.cfs.gov.hk/english/whatsnew/whatsnew_fstr/whatsnew_fstr_Proposed_Amendments_Preservatives_Food_Regulation.html. The Centre for Food Safety under the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has issued updated user guidelines to facilitate the trade's compliance.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202412/30/P2024122400397.htm.
Enhanced vehicle licence and simplified application documents implemented
The TD has enhanced the vehicle licence (VL) and simplified the requirement of application documents starting from 30 December 2024 for the greater convenience of the public.
From 30 December onwards, the TD will issue a notice showing the latest validity period of the VL to vehicle owners who have successfully renewed their VL, followed by a VL without the expiry date printed on it. After obtaining such a VL, if the vehicle particulars such as the registration mark, body colour, etc remain unchanged, the vehicle owner can continue to use the same VL after each subsequent renewal. Vehicle owners may scan the new QR code printed at the top of the VL to access the TD's VL Online Enquiry Platform for checking its expiry date conveniently.
In addition, starting from 30 December, when applying for VL renewal, vehicle owners are no longer required to present the Vehicle Registration Document or the Certificate of Roadworthiness after passing the vehicle examination. When submitting a VL renewal application online, once the third party risks insurance record is verified via the backend support of the Hong Kong Federation of Insurers (HKFI), vehicle owners do not need to upload their policy of insurance (Note).
A spokesman for the TD said, "Upon the enhancement of the VL, vehicle owners do not need to replace the VL displayed on the windscreen of their vehicles. Moreover, the TD will issue renewal reminders to vehicle owners through the electronic contact means they provided before their VLs expire. Furthermore, the measures on simplified application documents enable the vehicle owners to complete the renewal more quickly and conveniently."
Following the passage of the Road Traffic (Registration and Licensing of Vehicles) (Amendment) Regulation 2024 and the Motor Vehicles Insurance (Third Party Risks) (Amendment) Regulation 2024 by the LegCo earlier, they came into effect on 30 December. Members of the public may refer to the TD's website for more details of the enhanced VL and simplified application document measures or call the hotline at 2804 2600.
Note: The information of the motor policy provided by the insurer to the designated online platform developed by the HKFI generally takes seven calendar days to be effective for online verification.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202412/30/P2024122700190.htm.
Composite Restricted Foods Permit to open for applications on 1 January 2025
With a view to facilitating the trade selling multiple restricted food items, the FEHD will introduce a Composite Restricted Foods Permit. This permit will cover the sale of multiple restricted foods, including non-bottled drinks, dairy products, ice cream in original wrappers at the same premises or on online platforms. Applications for the new permit opened on 1 January 2025.
The Composite Restricted Foods Permit (including online sale of restricted foods) will allow permit holders to sell multiple restricted foods (except food sold by means of a vending machine) at the same premises or online platform. The fee for each permit is generally $810. As for the existing arrangements and fees for single-item restricted food permits involving sale of one restricted food item, these will remain unchanged. Applicants may choose to apply for each kind of permit according to their needs.
The Food Business Regulation (Cap. 132X) stipulates that any person who would like to sell the restricted food items specified in Schedule 2 of the Regulation including non-bottled drinks, dairy products, ice cream in original wrappers, etc is required to obtain written permission issued by the Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene to ensure the premises complies with hygienic standards and the wholesomeness of the food supplied therefrom. If more than one kind of restricted food items are to be sold, whether or not on the same premises or through an online platform, the applicant is required to submit separate applications.
A spokesman for the FEHD said, "Upon review, the FEHD finds that most operators selling restricted foods are required to comply with similar basic licensing requirements and conditions such as the provision of washing, disinfection and storage facilities, mains water supply, etc. As such, the FEHD has streamlined the application processes to make it more convenient."
For details of the application for the Composite Restricted Foods Permit, please visit the FEHD website: www.fehd.gov.hk/english/licensing/guide.html#restrictedfood.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202412/30/P2024122400389.htm.
DoJ updates contents of bilingual version of "Annotations of the Hong Kong National Security Law and Sedition Offences in the Crimes Ordinance" and publishes "Proceedings for the National Security Legal Forum 'Looking Back and Ahead, New Dawn for Development'"
The Department of Justice (DoJ) launched the English version and Chinese version of "Annotations of the Hong Kong National Security Law and Sedition Offences in the Crimes Ordinance" respectively in December 2023 and June 2024, and has updated the contents of the bilingual version of the Annotations on 28 December 2024 to cover the developments in the laws relating to safeguarding national security up to 30 June 2024 as well as judgments of individual major cases thereafter. The updated contents have been uploaded to and can be accessed by the public at the Annotations dedicated website.
The Annotations collate and summarise judgments and information concerning the Hong Kong National Security Law as well as sections 9 and 10 of the Crimes Ordinance (Cap. 200) (Note), in order to raise public awareness of national security and to promote better understanding of the laws relating to safeguarding national security by all sectors of the community. Since the launch of the Annotations, there have been important developments in the relevant laws relating to the safeguarding of national security and the courts have handed down judgments in relevant important cases. The DoJ collated and summarised these important judgments with a view to enabling the public to better understand the Hong Kong National Security Law and related laws, and facilitating research and application of the Hong Kong National Security Law and related laws by the legal sector.
Moreover, with the staunch support from the Central People's Government, the DoJ successfully organised on 8 June 2024, the National Security Legal Forum themed "Looking Back and Ahead, New Dawn for Development", bringing together experts and scholars, community dignitaries and legal elites to engage in in-depth and high-level exchanges of ideas and discussions on cutting-edge issues on national security laws. In order to share with the public the fruits of the Legal Forum, the DoJ has compiled and translated the relevant speeches and discussions at the Forum, and has published the "Proceedings for the National Security Legal Forum 'Looking Back and Ahead, New Dawn for Development'" on 30 December 2024. The Proceedings have already been uploaded to the website of the DoJ for public access.
Note: Former sections 9 and 10 of the Crimes Ordinance have been repealed by section 139 of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (6 of 2024) (SNSO) and replaced by sections 23 to 26 of the SNSO which has come into effect since 23 March 2024.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202412/28/P2024122700485.htm.
Second Extension Notice published under Extension of Government Leases Ordinance
The Lands Department published the second "Extension Notice" under the Extension of Government Leases Ordinance (Cap. 648) on 27 December 2024 in accordance with the requirement under the Ordinance to give six years' prior notice, covering general purpose leases (GPLs) (i.e. general residential, commercial, industrial leases, hereafter "applicable leases") which expire in 2031 (i.e. from 1 January to 31 December 2031) and do not contain a right of renewal. All land leases of the three lots involved in this batch have been extended for a term of 50 years.
Land leases extended under the Ordinance, including the leases of the three lots in this batch, do not require payment of additional premium but are subject to an annual payment of Government rent equivalent to 3 per cent of the rateable value of the relevant land. The three lots include one located in Kowloon and two on Hong Kong Island, and the leases of these three lots are mainly for residential use. The Extension Notice has been uploaded to the website of the Lands Department (https://www.landsd.gov.hk/en/resources/gov-notices/lease-extension/ext_2024.html).
Regarding the leases extended by the Lands Department through the above "Extension Notice", the encumbrances, interests and rights under the original lease (such as mortgages) will be carried forward to the extended lease term without being affected. Owners do not have to perform any procedures, nor are they required to execute lease extension documents with the Government or rearrange mortgages. The Lands Department has issued letters to the relevant owners or owners' corporations to inform them of the lease extension arrangements.
A spokesperson for the Development Bureau said, "The arrangement of extending land leases without having to execute a new contract under the Ordinance provides certainty for lease extension, enhances the confidence of property owners and investors in the real estate market, and brings tremendous convenience to the public and businesses. It has received widespread support from various sectors of the community. The mechanism manifests the solid safeguards for the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong under the steadfast and successful implementation of 'one country, two systems'."
The Ordinance, which came into effect on 5 July 2024, establishes a standing statutory mechanism for handling lease extension matters for applicable leases which do not contain a right of renewal and expire on or after the effective date in batches. Together with the first "Extension Notice" published on 5 July 2024, the Government has extended leases expiring from 5 July 2024, to the end of 2031. The Government will publish the next "Extension Notice" by the end of 2025, covering applicable leases expiring in 2032, in accordance with the requirement under the Ordinance to give six years' prior notice.
The spokesperson has also said that the Ordinance is not applicable to special purpose leases (SPLs). Different from GPLs, SPLs are mainly granted to groups or organisations for specific purposes of education, welfare, recreation, public utility, special industries, petrol filling stations, etc. The Lands Department will process lease extension matters and execute new leases (if renewed) with the lessee six years prior to lease expiry. For SPLs executed before 5 July 2024, and expiring in or after 2031 (1 634 lots in total) (Note), the Lands Department has made an "SPL identification note" in the Land Registry register of the relevant land leases on 27 December 2024, in accordance with the requirement under the Ordinance, for the purpose of identifying the SPLs for the handling of lease extension matters in accordance with the original administrative procedures outside the Ordinance. The Lands Department will also inform the lessee in writing that his land lease has been identified as an SPL. If the lessee does not agree with the identification of his lease as an SPL, he may submit a review application to the Lands Department within one year from the date of identification. For details, please refer to the list of SPLs and review guidelines on the website of the Lands Department (www.landsd.gov.hk/en/land-disposal-transaction/extension.html).
Note: In July 2024, the Lands Department made an "SPL identification note" in the Land Registry register of those SPLs which were executed before 5 July 2024, and would expire before 2031 (244 lots in total).
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202412/27/P2024122700457.htm.
Inland Revenue (Amendment) (Minimum Tax for Multinational Enterprise Groups) Bill 2024 gazetted
The Inland Revenue (Amendment) (Minimum Tax for Multinational Enterprise Groups) Bill 2024 was published in the Gazette on 27 December 2024.
The Bill seeks to implement the international tax reform framework, Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) 2.0, promulgated by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development in October 2021, and put in place the global minimum tax and the Hong Kong minimum top-up tax (HKMTT) from 2025. Currently, more than 140 jurisdictions (including Hong Kong) have accepted the reform framework to tackle BEPS risks arising from the digitalisation of the economy.
Under BEPS 2.0, large multinational enterprise (MNE) groups with an annual consolidated revenue of 750 million euros or above (in-scope MNE groups) need to pay a global minimum tax of at least 15 per cent in every jurisdiction in which they operate. This will reduce the incentive for large MNE groups to shift profits to low- or no-tax jurisdictions to evade tax responsibility, and minimise harmful competition among countries/regions to attract investment by lowering profits tax rates, thus creating a fairer taxation environment.
With the implementation of the HKMTT, if the effective tax rate of an in-scope MNE group in Hong Kong is lower than 15 per cent, Hong Kong has the right to collect top-up tax from the group's entities in Hong Kong to bring their effective tax rate up to 15 per cent. Otherwise, according to the BEPS 2.0 rules, other relevant jurisdictions have a right to collect top-up tax in respect of these low-taxed Hong Kong entities. Therefore, implementing the HKMTT can safeguard Hong Kong's taxing rights instead of ceding them to other jurisdictions. In-scope MNE groups will also be spared the need to pay top-up tax in respect of their low-taxed Hong Kong entities in other relevant jurisdictions in which they operate, thereby reducing their compliance burden. It is estimated that the collection of top-up tax will bring to the Government an annual revenue of about $15 billion from 2027-28.
The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, said, "As an international financial centre and a responsible member of the global community, Hong Kong has been rendering unwavering support to international efforts in combating tax evasion. In a fairer global taxation environment, our various advantages for attracting businesses and investment will only be more accentuated, including the strong support from the motherland and close connection with the world under the 'one country, two systems', our simple and transparent tax regime, mature financial markets, an independent judicial system, modern infrastructure and a quality talent pool.
"The Government conducted a public consultation from December 2023 to March 2024. We are pleased to note that stakeholders, including business chambers, professional bodies, tax professionals and MNE groups, generally support our legislative proposals. In drafting the Bill, we have also incorporated their views on the design of the HKMTT, implementation timeframe, tax administration and compliance, etc. To better help MNE groups ascertain their tax liabilities following the implementation of the global minimum tax and the HKMTT, the Inland Revenue Department has set up a dedicated team to provide technical support and will publish online guidance addressing common concerns," Mr Hui added.
The Bill will be introduced into the LegCo for first reading on 8 January 2025.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202412/27/P2024122700229.htm.
Annual update of aggregate list of eligible universities under TTPS
The Government announced on 27 December 2024 that the annually updated aggregate list of eligible universities (aggregate list) under the Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) takes effect on 1 January 2025.
The updated aggregate list consisting of 199 universities/institutions (see Annex) has been uploaded onto the online platform of Hong Kong Talent Engage (www.hkengage.gov.hk) and the TTPS webpage of the Immigration Department (www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/visas/TTPS.html) on 1 January 2025.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202412/27/P2024122700198.htm.
Hong Kong’s new import and export control on electrical and electronic waste to take effect on 1 January 2025
The Waste Disposal (Amendment) Ordinance 2024 (the Ordinance) came into effect on 1 January 2025, to implement relevant amendments to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal (Basel Convention) regarding the control of transboundary movements of electrical and electronic waste (EEW) and their proper management in Hong Kong.
The country is a party to the Basel Convention, and the Basel Convention is applicable to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). In line with the requirements of relevant amendments to the Basel Convention, the Ordinance will accordingly place all EEW under the existing import and export permit control and enable the HKSAR to fulfil obligations under the Basel Convention, alongside the country.
The relevant amendments to the Basel Convention took effect globally from 1 January 2025. By that time, the export of EEW is only allowed if the state of import and any states of transit have given their prior consent. This measure ensures that EEW undergoing transboundary movement will be properly managed in the state of import, thereby protecting the local environment and public health.
A spokesman for the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) said, "The LegCo passed the Waste Disposal (Amendment) Bill 2024 on 20 November 2024, so that all EEW will be controlled by the existing import and export permit system under the Waste Disposal Ordinance (Cap. 354). When the new control comes into effect on 1 January 2025, any person who imports EEW into, or exports EEW out of Hong Kong should obtain a permit from the EPD in advance."
The spokesman added, "For instance, EEW that the recycling trade has imported or exported previously (e.g. waste TV set-up boxes, waste routers, waste power supply units, waste hard disk drives, waste landline phones and waste keyboards) will be subject to control and permits will be required for their import or export. To facilitate the relevant trade to adapt to the new control, the EPD has promulgated the implementation details to the recycling industry, maritime and aviation trade through different channels. The EPD has also visited local EEW recycling facilities to further publicise the changes to operators. Relevant guidelines and information, including a straightforward dummies guide and at a glance summaries, have been uploaded to the EPD webpage (www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/environmentinhk/waste/guide_ref/guide_wiec_gp3.html).
Moreover, a six-month phasing-in period (i.e. 1 January to 30 June 2025) will be put in place when the new control takes effect. During the phasing-in period, the EPD will suitably exercise discretion when handling cases of non-compliance and will continue to assist the trade in complying with the new control through ongoing communications and strengthened promotional and education efforts.
For enquiries on the import and export permit control of EEW, please call 2755 5462 or email to wasteimportandexport@epd.gov.hk.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202412/27/P2024122000488.htm.
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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.
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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.
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