SUCCESS
E-newsletter
19 February 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)
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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 first half of 2025 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. Xiaohongshu and WeChat Channels: Strategies on Branding and Marketing (Seminar)
(This seminar will be held at Trade and Industry Tower on 25 February 2025)
This seminar is held by the “SUCCESS” of the TID. In this seminar, an expert will compare the pros and cons of Xiaohongshu and WeChat Channels and explore the general mindsets behind when operating businesses through these two platforms. Strategies for Hong Kong businesses to generate profits directly through self-media and related cases will also be shared, with a view to assisting SMEs in getting the techniques to promote their brands and expand markets through self-media. (This seminar will be conducted in Cantonese.)
More Details and Registration
II. “SME ReachOut” Accelerator BootCamp: Funding Strategies for Sustainable Business - Green and SMART Manufacturing Solutions Leading a New Era of Industrialisation (Seminar)
(This seminar will be held at HKPC Building on 26 February 2025)
This seminar is held by the “SME Reachout” of the HKPC. In this seminar, experts are invited to share the latest trends of smart manufacturing under new industrialisation. This seminar will also introduce innovative solutions on smart manufacturing, robotics and artificial intelligence (AI), as well as how to make good use of government funding schemes, with a view to assisting SMEs in upgrading and transformation. (This seminar will be conducted in Cantonese.)
More Details and Registration
III. “SME ReachOut” Accelerator BootCamp: Funding Strategies for Sustainable Business - Unlocking New opportunities for HK Brands through Cross-Border E-Commerce (Seminar)
(This seminar will be held at HKPC Building on 26 March 2025)
This seminar is held by the “SME Reachout” of the HKPC. This seminar experts are invited to share how to achieve branding excellence developing cross-border e-commerce, introduce brand protection through intellectual property (IP) strategies, and how to make good use of government funding schemes, with a view to assisting SMEs in brand developments. (This seminar will be conducted in Cantonese.)
More Details and Registration
SUCCESS-supported Activity
Essential Skills for Managers of Today and Tomorrow (Online Course)
(This course will be live-streamed on 27 February 2025)
This course is offered by the HKPC. SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations. This online course will explore the essential skills that managers need to manage people and performance in the current rapidly changing work environment. (This course will be conducted in Cantonese.)
More Details
Intellectual Property Department: IP Training Programme/Workshop “IP205 Mastering IP Licensing: Agreements and Royalty Negotiation” and “IP203 IP Commercialisation - Bringing Creativity to the Marketplace”
(IP205 will be held at the VTC Tower, Wan Chai on 13 March 2025)
(IP203 will be held at the VTC Tower, Wan Chai on 21 March 2025)
These two IP courses/workshop offered by the Intellectual Property Department are now open for registration here.
“IP205 Mastering IP Licensing: Agreements and Royalty Negotiation” aims to provide participants with a basic understanding of IP licensing, with emphasis on critical aspects of licensing agreements and royalty negotiations. (The medium of instruction will be Cantonese and English.)
“IP203 IP Commercialisation - Bringing Creativity to the Marketplace” is a one-day workshop which focuses on innovation and entrepreneurship, featuring expert speakers from various regions. It aims to equip innovators and creative designers with essential knowledge and strategies for developing effective commercialisation plans and securing funding investments. (The medium of instruction will be Cantonese and English.)
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 course/workshop.
Privacy Commissioner’s Office Launches “Privacy-Friendly Awards 2025”
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD) is pleased to announce the launch of “Privacy-Friendly Awards 2025” (Awards). Enterprises, public and private organisations as well as government departments are invited to apply for the Awards. The Awards this year, with the theme of “Safeguarding Data Security: Marching towards a New Digital Era”, aim to recognise the commitment and efforts of organisations in the protection of personal data privacy, while encouraging them to implement good data governance and enhancing their awareness of protecting personal data privacy and data security.
Interested organisations should complete and submit the online application form and provide relevant supporting documents on the Awards website https://www.pcpd.org.hk/privacyfriendlyawards/en/index.html on or before 7 March 2025. Apply NOW and become part of the privacy-friendly community!
Toys and Children's Products Safety Ordinance (Amendment of Schedules 1 and 2) Notice 2025 gazetted
The Government published in the Gazette the Toys and Children's Products Safety Ordinance (Amendment of Schedules 1 and 2) Notice 2025 on 14 February 2025. The Notice seeks to update the safety standards for toys and seven classes of children's products listed in Schedule 2 (Schedule 2 products) under the Toys and Children's Products Safety Ordinance (Cap. 424).
The seven classes of Schedule 2 products are (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. The Notice will take effect on 1 August 2025.
The Ordinance stipulates that a person must not manufacture, import or supply a toy or a Schedule 2 product unless it complies with all 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). The Government keeps in view any updates or amendments to the safety standards to apply up-to-date and operative versions of the standards to toys and Schedule 2 products supplied in Hong Kong. The last updates to Schedules 1 and 2 came into operation in August 2024.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202502/14/P2025021400210.htm.
Subsidiary legislation on uncertificated securities market regime gazetted
Marine Department launches Block Registration Incentive Scheme
The Marine Department (MD) announces on 14 February 2025 the implementation of the amended Merchant Shipping (Registration) (Fees and Charges) Regulations (Cap. 415A) to allow eligible ships to apply for a refund under the Block Registration Incentive Scheme, with a view to attracting more shipowners to register their ships in Hong Kong.
The Scheme is one of the proposed action measures in the Action Plan on Maritime and Port Development Strategy promulgated by the Government in December 2023 to support the sustainable development needs of the maritime and port industry in Hong Kong, with a view to enhancing the long-term competitiveness of the industry. Under the Scheme, if more than one eligible ship is registered with the Hong Kong Shipping Registry (HKSR) within 24 months, the owners of the ships concerned may be provided with a refund of the ship registration fee and the first-year annual tonnage charge. One application may cover ships of different shipowners and may be submitted by a shipowner, ship manager or ship agent.
A spokesperson for the MD said, "The gross tonnage of Hong Kong-registered ships ranks as the fourth largest in the world. Although the current registration fee of the HKSR is highly competitive, we have noticed that some other major flag administrations have already rolled out block registration incentives. We thus deem it necessary to launch a similar scheme in Hong Kong, with a view to further strengthening the HKSR's competitiveness and fostering our leading position among shipping registries in the world."
The gazette of the proposed legislative amendments to Cap. 415A was published on 13 December 2024, and tabled at the LegCo on 18 December 2024 of the same year for negative vetting, and is scheduled to be implemented on 14 February 2025.
The MD will actively reach out to shipowners and shipping-related companies to promote the Scheme through its network on the Mainland and overseas. Moreover, the MD has produced a leaflet to promote the work of the HKSR and introduce details of the Scheme. For details, please visit the MD's official website at www.mardep.gov.hk/filemanager/en/share/publications/pdf/materials/hksr.pdf or download the application form for the Scheme at www.mardep.gov.hk/filemanager/en/share/forms/pdf/md742.pdf.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202502/14/P2025021300366.htm.
Pilot Scheme on Facilitation for Persons Participating in Arbitral Proceedings in Hong Kong to be regularised with refinements
With effect from 1 March 2025, the Government will regularise the Pilot Scheme on Facilitation for Persons Participating in Arbitral Proceedings in Hong Kong with refinements. Upon regularisation, the Scheme will be named the Immigration Facilitation Scheme for Persons Participating in Arbitral Proceedings in Hong Kong.
Under the Pilot Scheme, relevant individuals are allowed to participate in arbitral proceedings in Hong Kong as visitors without the need to obtain an employment visa if they are in possession of a letter of proof (Letter) issued by a designated arbitral and dispute resolution institution or venue provider proving that they are eligible persons participating in arbitral proceedings in Hong Kong.
As an international centre for legal and dispute resolution services in the Asia-Pacific region, Hong Kong is and has always been one of the most preferred seats and destinations of arbitration in the world. Catering for the needs of arbitrations taking place in Hong Kong, the Government launched the Pilot Scheme on 29 June 2020, to provide immigration facilitation for eligible visitors participating in arbitral proceedings in Hong Kong on a short-term basis. The arbitration community has been supportive of the Pilot Scheme since its launch, finding it conducive to maintaining Hong Kong's competitiveness as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre. This is in line with the National 14th Five-Year Plan, the Belt and Road Initiative and the Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
After a review and having regard to feedback from the industry on the developing needs of parties in arbitrations, the Pilot Scheme will be regularised with the following refinements:
(a) The scope of eligible persons will be expanded to five categories to include persons who are directly related to or involved in the arbitrations taking place in Hong Kong such as tribunal secretaries, tribunal-appointed experts. Upon such refinement, the Scheme will cover five categories of persons (Eligible Persons), namely, (i) arbitrators; (ii) expert and factual witnesses; (iii) counsel in the arbitration; (iv) parties to the arbitration; and (v) other persons directly related to or involved in the arbitration such as tribunal secretaries, tribunal-appointed experts.
(b) The Scheme will cover all arbitrations physically taking place in Hong Kong, including those in which parties opt to, as a matter of law, have the "seat of arbitration" elsewhere.
After regularisation, persons who seek to benefit from the Scheme shall continue to, prior to their entry into Hong Kong, obtain the Letter confirming that they are Eligible Persons participating in arbitral proceedings in Hong Kong:
(a) For arbitrations administered by an arbitral institution, the Letter shall be issued by one of those designated arbitral and dispute resolution institutions and permanent offices in Hong Kong, which satisfies the criteria set out under Article 2(1) of the "Arrangement Concerning Mutual Assistance in Court-ordered Interim Measures in Aid of Arbitral Proceedings by the Courts of the Mainland and of the HKSAR". For details of the list of institutions and permanent offices and their contact details, please visit the Department of Justice (DoJ) website (www.doj.gov.hk/en/legal_dispute/pdf/Immigration_Facilitation_Scheme_contact_list_en.pdf).
(b) For ad hoc arbitrations (i.e. arbitrations not administered by an arbitral institution), the Letter shall be issued by reputable venue(s) with established and well-equipped hearing facilities. For details of the list of venue providers, please visit the DoJ website (www.doj.gov.hk/en/legal_dispute/pdf/list_of_venue_providers_en.pdf).
For the avoidance of doubt, users of the Scheme are still required to apply for the requisite visit visa or entry permit in order to enter Hong Kong where applicable. Eligible Persons are permitted to stay in Hong Kong for participating in arbitral proceedings for a period not exceeding the period for which they are permitted to remain in Hong Kong as a visitor. They shall produce the Letter upon inspection by the Immigration Department or the relevant authorities, if required. The DoJ will issue a Guidance Note on the Scheme to the above-mentioned arbitral and dispute resolution institutions.
Hong Kong has ranked among the most preferred seats for arbitration globally in recent years. Nationals of many countries may visit the city without a visit visa or entry permit. Hong Kong is also an international aviation hub located in the heart of Asia and well-connected to various regions. The Scheme will thus synergise with Hong Kong's many unique strengths as an ideal venue for arbitrations. With a pool of top professional services talent, there are no legal restrictions on who may act as arbitrator, and parties to arbitral proceedings may retain counsel or advisers without restrictions as to their nationalities and professional qualifications in Hong Kong. Additionally, Hong Kong is the first and only common law jurisdiction outside the Mainland where, as a seat of arbitration, parties to arbitral proceedings administered by designated arbitral institutions would be able to apply to the Mainland courts for preservation measures. Arbitral awards made in Hong Kong are generally upheld by local courts and enforceable in over 170 Contracting Parties to the Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards (New York Convention). An award creditor of a Hong Kong arbitral award can make simultaneous enforcement applications to both the Mainland and Hong Kong courts.
A spokesman for the DoJ said, "The regularisation and refinement of the Scheme offer parties and practitioners high convenience and a broad choice of international and local legal experts and related professionals, further enhancing Hong Kong's attractiveness as a seat or destination for arbitrations."
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202502/12/P2025021200234.htm.
Orders to amend Dangerous Drugs Ordinance and Control of Chemicals Ordinance to be gazetted on 14 February 2025 and etomidate to become dangerous drug on same date
A spokesperson for the Security Bureau said on 12 February 2025 that etomidate and its three analogues will be listed as dangerous drugs following the publication of the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance (Amendment of First Schedule) Order 2025 (DDO Order) in the Gazette on 14 February. On the same date, the Control of Chemicals Ordinance (Amendment of Schedule 2) Order 2025 (CCO Order) will also be published in the Gazette.
In view of the recent abuse situation of etomidate, which is the main active ingredient of a new substance with the street name 'space oil drug', the Government is expediting the process and has arranged for the DDO Order to take effect immediately upon gazettal on 14 February in order to significantly enhance deterrence and enable effective law enforcement action against the 'space oil drug'. The CCO Order is expected to become effective on 11 April. Both Orders are subject to the negative vetting procedure of the LegCo. Details, including the justifications for the legislative proposal, can be found in the brief for LegCo issued on 12 February in the Annex.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202502/12/P2025021100159.htm.
Transport Department's special arrangements for licence renewals on Budget Day
The Transport Department (TD) announced on 12 February 2025 that to prevent members of the public from rushing to the TD's Licensing Offices to submit applications for the renewal of expiring and expired vehicle and driving licences before Budget Day, the TD will implement the following arrangements:
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All vehicle licences eligible for renewal on or before Budget Day (26 February), i.e. vehicles that are registered at the time of renewal and have licence expiry dates falling on or before 25 June, can be renewed at the present rate, whether for four months or 12 months, at any time up to and including 25 June.
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All full Hong Kong driving licences and driving instructor's licences eligible for renewal on or before Budget Day (26 February), i.e. those expiring on or before 25 June and those that have expired for less than three years at the time of renewal, can be renewed at the present rate at any time up to and including 25 June.
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The special arrangements only apply to applications for the renewal of vehicle licences, full driving licences and driving instructor's licences that meet the conditions above. They do not apply to any other licensing services.
"It is not necessary for eligible licence holders to rush to the TD's Licensing Offices to submit applications for the renewal of their vehicle or driving licences on speculation that those licence fees may increase in the coming Budget. The aforementioned arrangements are not related to the content of the Budget, on which the TD has no information," a spokesman for the TD said.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202502/12/P2025021100450.htm.
Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Ordinance 2023 (Commencement) Notice gazetted
The Government published in the Gazette on 7 February 2025 the Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Ordinance 2023 (Commencement) Notice (Commencement Notice). The new "no case to answer" appeal mechanism under the Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Ordinance 2023 (Amendment Ordinance) will come into operation on 14 April 2025.
The Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill 2023 was passed by the LegCo on 12 July 2023. Sections 4, 7 and 9 of, and Part 2 of the Schedule to, the Amendment Ordinance provide for a "no case to answer" appeal mechanism, which allows the prosecution to appeal against rulings of no case to answer made by the Court of First Instance of the High Court in criminal trials with a jury. The new appeal mechanism has since awaited enactment of the Criminal Procedure (Appeal against Ruling of No Case to Answer) Rules (Rules) before it commences.
The Rules, which set out the relevant procedural matters for the new appeal mechanism to facilitate its smooth operation in practice, were made by the Criminal Procedure Rules Committee under section 9 of the Criminal Procedure Ordinance (Cap. 221) on 14 November 2024. The Rules were approved by the LegCo on 8 January 2025.
With a view to bringing the new appeal mechanism into operation as soon as practicable, the Secretary for Justice, under section 1(3) of the Amendment Ordinance, has appointed 14 April 2025, as the day on which the relevant provisions come into operation. The Rules will come into operation on the same day.
A spokesman for the DoJ said, "The new 'no case to answer' appeal mechanism addresses the lacuna in the criminal appeal system due to the prosecution's inability to appeal against erroneous rulings of no case to answer made by judges of the Court of First Instance in jury trials and prevents possible miscarriage of justice."
The Commencement Notice was tabled at the LegCo on 12 February for negative vetting.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202502/07/P2025020700201.htm.
Policy on incorporation of mediation clauses in government contracts took effect on 6 February 2025
The DoJ announced that the policy on the incorporation of mediation clauses in government contracts took effect on 6 February 2025. The mediation clause signifies the parties' agreement to use mediation to resolve disputes first before resorting to arbitration or litigation.
The Government issued the Policy Statement on the Incorporation of Mediation Clauses in Government Contracts on 6 November 2024. By virtue of the policy statement, the Government will, as a matter of general policy, incorporate a mediation clause in government contracts.
To complement the implementation of the policy, the DoJ also promulgated on 6 February "The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Mediation Rules (2025 Edition)", which may be referred to as the "HKSARG Mediation Rules (2025)". These Rules provide for a set of procedural rules for the conduct of mediation proceedings and are intended to operate together with the mediation clause in government contracts. These Rules shall not affect the operation of "The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Construction Mediation Rules (1999 Edition)" promulgated by the then Works Bureau in 1999, as amended by the then Environment, Transport and Works Bureau in 2003.
Further information about the policy, including a sample mediation clause for incorporation in government contracts, is available on the webpage of the DoJ.
A spokesman for the DoJ said, "By taking the lead to incorporate mediation clauses in government contracts, it is hoped that private organisations would be encouraged to make reference to and adopt similar mediation clauses in their contracts, thereby deepening our 'mediate first' culture."
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202502/06/P2025020600168.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.
Business News
GDETO Newsletter
The latest issue of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Guangdong (GDETO) Newsletter has been published.
More Details (in Chinese only)
Commercial Information Circulars (CICs) of the Mainland
The TID issued a number of Commercial Information Circulars (CICs) on the Mainland's trade and economic rules and regulations. The latest CICs have been published.
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