SUCCESS
E-newsletter
5 March 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
2025-26 Budget Speech
The Financial Secretary, Mr. Paul Chan, delivered the 2025-26 Budget Speech on 26 February 2025.
For details, please visit https://www.budget.gov.hk/2025/eng/.
“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. IP Protection and Consideration for AI-generated Works (Seminar)
(This seminar will be held at Trade and Industry Tower on 13 March 2025)
This seminar is held by the “SUCCESS” of the TID. In this seminar, an intellectual property (IP) expert is invited to explain the relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and IP and the ownership issue about AI-generated works. Frequently asked questions about AI, such as its eligibility for patent application and whether the AI technology should be considered as a patent or a copyright, will also be addressed along with case analysis, with a view to assisting SMEs in understanding the IP protection and consideration for AI-generated works. (This seminar will be conducted in Cantonese.)
More Details and Registration
II. “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
TID / SUCCESS-supported Activities
I. “New Productive Forces” Job Fair 2025
(This job fair will be held at HKPC Building on 8 March 2025)
This job fair is organised by the HKPC. SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations. Over 40 enterprises and organisations will participate in this job fair, providing over 2 000 job opportunities related to new quality productive forces and information technology.
More Details (in Chinese only)
II. 5 Tips to Supercharge Your Conversations! (Online Course)
(This course will be live-streamed on 13 March 2025)
This course is offered by the HKPC. SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations. This online course will teach participants how to make their conversations more impactful and engaging. (This course will be conducted in English.)
More Details
III. 2025 “Best SME’s Award”, “Best SME’s Partner Award”, “ESG Leading Enterprise Award” and “Bright Future SME’s Youth Creative Entrepreneurship Award” now open for application (deadline: 14 March 2025)
To promote the sustainable development of Hong Kong’s SMEs, the Hong Kong General Chamber of Small and Medium Business (HKGCSMB) has established the "Best SME’s Award" and "Best SME's Partner Award" to publicly recognise and commend the entrepreneurial spirit of winning SMEs and partner organisations that have provided great support to local SMEs. The HKGCSMB has also established the "ESG Leading Enterprise Award". Furthermore, to encourage young creative entrepreneurship and praise their original marketing ideas, the HKGCSMB established the “Bright Future SME’s Youth Creative Entrepreneurship Award”, thereby affirming and strengthening their innovation drive and continuous development. TID is one of the supporting organisations. For details, please visit the HKGCSMB’s website (in Chinese only).
IV. Experience Sharing Seminar on “Strategies for Hong Kong Brands Going GBA 2025”
(This seminar will be live-streamed and held at the CMA Building on 21 March 2025)
This seminar is organised by the Hong Kong Brand Development Council and the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong and funded by the Trade and Industrial Organisation Support Fund of TID. SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations. This seminar will analyse the evolving consumer culture and market environment in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), explore the new trends in brand marketing paradigm shift, as well as share and exchange Hong Kong brands’ experiences in regard to market development and brand promotion in the GBA market. (This seminar will be conducted in Cantonese.)
More Details
V. Harnessing the Power of AI and Machine Learning for Strategic Decision-Making (Online Course)
(This course will be live-streamed on 25 March 2025)
This course is offered by the HKPC. SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations. This online course will explore the real-world case studies of successful AI implementations and the strategies for integrating AI into business process, as well as how technology fosters a culture of innovation and adaptability. (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!
SWD invites applications for IT schemes for persons with disabilities (deadline: 3 April 2025)
The Social Welfare Department (SWD) is inviting applications from eligible persons or organisations for the IT Scheme for People with Visual Impairment (9th Round) and the Central Fund for Personal Computers (51st Round) from 3 March 2025 until 3 April 2025.
The IT Scheme for People with Visual Impairment supports non-profit-making organisations providing services or schooling for people with visual impairment (PVI) and tertiary institutions to acquire advanced Chinese screen readers, Braille displays and accessories/portable devices to enable PVI's browsing the Internet, and to subsidise individual PVI with financial difficulties to purchase these assistive devices for meeting their studying or employment needs. Eligible organisations may lodge their applications by completing the designated forms.
Eligible persons are required to apply through nominations by non-governmental organisations operating subvented rehabilitation services, the student affairs offices of local tertiary institutions, principals of local secondary/primary schools, or the Selective Placement Division of the Labour Department (LD).
The Central Fund for Personal Computers aims to assist persons with disabilities in acquiring the necessary computer facilities for self-employment or receiving supported employment services at home. Applicants must be receiving services from rehabilitation service organisations or the Selective Placement Division of the LD. Applications should be submitted through the nominating organisations.
The SWD has issued invitations to the relevant organisations for making nominations and applications. Details and application forms of the two schemes are available on the SWD's website (www.swd.gov.hk/en/pubsvc/rehab/cat_fundtrustfinaid/) and CyberAble.net (cyberable.swd.gov.hk/en/index.html). For enquiries, please call 3586 3594 or email to eoimc@swd.gov.hk.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202503/03/P2025030300203.htm.
Professional Services Advancement Support Scheme invites new round of applications (deadline: 31 May 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 March 2025 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 February 2025, nearly 120 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 Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area) 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 HKTDC 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 31 May 2025. A briefing session will be held in March 2025 for organisations interested in applying for PASS funding. One-on-one consultations are also available upon request for discussing preliminary project ideas or projects in the planning stage. To register for the briefing session, schedule a consultation, or for 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/202503/01/P2025030100235.htm.
Second Agreement Concerning Amendment to CEPA Agreement on Trade in Services implemented on 1 March 2025
The HKSARG said on 28 February 2025 that the Second Agreement Concerning Amendment to the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) Agreement on Trade in Services (Amendment Agreement II) signed between the Ministry of Commerce and the HKSARG under the framework of CEPA would be implemented on 1 March 2025.
The Amendment Agreement II further opens up the services market of the Mainland to Hong Kong, enabling Hong Kong businesses and professionals to enter the Mainland market with more preferential treatments. The Amendment Agreement II introduces new liberalisation measures across a number of service sectors where Hong Kong enjoys competitive advantages, such as financial services, construction and related engineering services, testing and certification, telecommunications, motion pictures, television and tourism services. The liberalisation measures take various forms, including removing or relaxing restrictions on equity shareholding and business scope in the establishment of enterprises; relaxing qualification requirements for Hong Kong professionals providing services; and easing restrictions on Hong Kong's exports of services to the Mainland market. Most of the liberalisation measures apply to the whole Mainland, while some of them are designated for pilot implementation in the nine Pearl River Delta municipalities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
The Amendment Agreement II also brings along institutional innovation and collaboration enhancements. It includes the addition of "allowing Hong Kong-invested enterprises to adopt Hong Kong law" and "allowing Hong Kong-invested enterprises to choose for arbitration to be seated in Hong Kong" as facilitation measures for Hong Kong investors; and removal of the period requirement on Hong Kong service suppliers to engage in substantive business operations in Hong Kong for three years in most service sectors.
Since the signing of the Amendment Agreement II, the HKSARG has been proactively liaising with various chambers of commerce, industries and advisory bodies, etc, to enhance the trade's understanding of the liberalisation measures. In addition, in the middle of February 2025, the HKSARG co-organised with the Ministry of Commerce a forum to introduce the content and implementation arrangements of the measures as well as the criteria and procedures for application for preferential treatments to over 350 participants, including representatives from local and foreign chambers of commerce, consulates, major trade associations and professional sectors. The HKSARG will continue to assist the trade in making good use of the preferential measures of the Amendment Agreement II to facilitate Hong Kong in fully capitalising on the city's distinctive advantages of enjoying strong support of the motherland and maintaining close connection to the world under the "one country, two systems" principle, and to contribute to the national development of new quality productive forces and solid progress in promoting high-quality development.
The Mainland and Hong Kong signed the Agreement on Trade in Services (the Services Agreement) under the framework of CEPA in November 2015, basically achieving liberalisation of trade in services between the two places. Subsequently, the two sides signed an agreement to amend the Services Agreement in November 2019 and the relevant liberalisation measures have been implemented since June 2020. To further enhance liberalisation and facilitate trade in services in response to the aspirations of the Hong Kong business community for greater participation in the development of the Mainland market, the two sides signed the Amendment Agreement II on 9 October 2024, to make further amendments to the Services Agreement.
To provide one-stop facilitation to the trade, the TID has established a dedicated website (www.tid.gov.hk/english/cepa/index.html) where the enterprises and professionals concerned can access more details about CEPA.
The TID also maintains a telephone hotline (2398 5667) and email (cepa@tid.gov.hk) for CEPA-related enquiries, and helps liaise with relevant bureaux, departments or the Mainland authorities to follow up on those issues.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202502/28/P2025022800296.htm.
Film Development Fund launches Film Production Grant Scheme for Promoting Chinese Culture (deadline: 1 September 2025)
"The Chief Executive's 2024 Policy Address" announced the provision of financial support for the film industry under the Film Development Fund (FDF) to produce films that promote Chinese culture, showcasing fine traditional Chinese culture elements to audiences. The Government will launch the Film Production Grant Scheme for Promoting Chinese Culture (GSPCC), with a view to encouraging creators to incorporate Chinese cultural elements into film productions, thereby promoting the charm and diversity of Chinese culture. The GSPCC is open for application from 28 February 2025 to 1 September 2025, for a period of six months.
The GSPCC accepts applications for feature-length narrative and animation films. It is anticipated that a maximum of two projects will be subsidised. Each approved film project will receive a grant of up to $10 million. The producers and directors of the applications for the GSPCC shall possess substantial experience in the film industry, while the directors shall be permanent residents of Hong Kong.
The Government will form an independent assessment panel to assess applications based on five criteria: script quality, promotion of Chinese cultural elements, production budget, market potential and execution capability of the production team. Details of the GSPCC and relevant application forms are available on the FDC's website (www.fdc.gov.hk/en/gspcc).
The Chairman of the FDC, Dr Wilfred Wong, said, "Chinese culture has a long and rich history with profound connotations. We hope that this new scheme will encourage more Hong Kong directors to unleash their creativity to produce films on Chinese culture, strengthening the promotion of excellent traditional Chinese culture through the power of films."
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202502/28/P2025022800211.htm.
LegCo Secretariat releases Policy Pulse on "Hong Kong's legal and dispute resolution services"
The Legislative Council (LegCo) Secretariat (the Secretariat) released a Policy Pulse on "Hong Kong's legal and dispute resolution services" on 28 February 2025. This issue provides a concise overview of the unique advantages of Hong Kong's legal services and its latest developments in arbitration and mediation services. It also covers the Government's policy initiatives to promote LawTech, as well as relevant discussions in LegCo along with recommendations by Members.
The detailed content of "Hong Kong's legal and dispute resolution services" is available on the LegCo Website. The Policy Pulse, published by the LegCo Secretariat, covers specific topics, offers a comprehensive overview of related policy developments and summarizes key discussions in LegCo.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202502/28/P2025022800414.htm.
Government introduces bill into LegCo for implementing title registration system on new land
The Government announced on 27 February 2025 that the Registration of Titles and Land (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill 2025 will be introduced to the LegCo to amend the Land Titles Ordinance (Cap. 585) (LTO), which has not yet come into operation, in order to implement the title registration system on newly granted land first.
The Government consulted the LegCo Panel on Development twice on 19 December 2022, and 24 January 2025. Members generally supported the introduction of the Bill into the LegCo.
The Bill was gazetted on 28 February 2025 and will be introduced into the LegCo for first reading on 19 March. For details, please refer to the LegCo Brief issued on 27 February.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202502/27/P2025022700177.htm.
Raising the maximum value of properties chargeable to the $100 stamp duty to $4 million
The Government has published in the Gazette on 26 February 2025 the Public Revenue Protection (Stamp Duty) Order 2025 (the Order) made by the Chief Executive to give force and effect of law to the Stamp Duty (Amendment) Bill 2025 (the Bill) before the Bill becomes law. The Bill, which will be published in the Gazette on 28 February 2025, implements the adjustment to the value bands of the Ad Valorem Stamp Duty (AVD) proposed in the 2025-26 Budget. The Order and the Bill will be introduced into the LegCo on 19 March 2025.
The 2025-26 Budget announced that the maximum value of properties chargeable to $100 stamp duty would be raised from $3 million to $4 million with immediate effect from 26 February 2025, with a view to easing the burden of buyers of residential and non-residential properties at lower values.
An instrument for the sale and purchase or transfer of a residential or non-residential property is subject to AVD based on the sales price or value of consideration, whichever is higher. The lowest AVD rate is $100, which applied to a property with a sales price or value of consideration of $3 million or below. After the adjustment, the AVD payable for a property with a sales price or value of consideration up to $4 million will be $100. Taking into account marginal relief, it is estimated that about 15 per cent of property transactions will benefit from the adjustment. The government revenue will be reduced by about $400 million per year. The adjusted value bands are at Annex. The new value bands apply to instruments executed on or after 26 February 2025.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202502/26/P2025022600633.htm.
New road traffic requirements took effect 1 March 2025
The Transport Department (TD) reminded registered vehicle owners, motorists and the vehicle trades on 23 February 2025 that a number of new requirements would come into effect on 1 March 2025, providing convenience to road users.
The Road Traffic (Construction and Maintenance of Vehicles) (Amendment) Regulation 2024, the Road Traffic (Traffic Control) (Amendment) Regulation 2024 and the Road Traffic (Expressway) (Amendment) Regulation 2024 have been passed by the LegCo.
A spokesman for the TD said, "The various new requirements aim to provide convenience to the public, enhance road safety, and promote the application and development of new automotive technologies in Hong Kong, keeping up with the international vehicle construction and maintenance standards."
The TD will launch a series of publicity and education activities, and host briefings for the automotive trades concerned to introduce the legal requirements and relevant application procedures. It will also issue letters to local dealers of registered vehicle manufacturers and vehicle importers to remind them to take follow-up actions for compliance with the requirements of the Amendment Regulations. Vehicle owners may consult the relevant vehicle dealers or importers for details.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202502/23/P2025022200332.htm.
HKSARG sets up Hong Kong Cross-boundary Public Services self-service kiosk and "iAM Smart" self-registration kiosk in Dongguan
To advance the development of a digital government, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) is collaborating with Guangdong Province to promote the Cross-boundary Public Services initiative. The Digital Policy Office (DPO) announced on 21 February 2025 the setting up of a Hong Kong Cross-boundary Public Services self-service kiosk in Dongguan to enable residents and enterprises in Mainland cities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) to access public services of Hong Kong without the need to travel to Hong Kong in person.
Starting from 21 February, the public can use the Hong Kong Cross-boundary Public Services self-service kiosk located on 2/F, Dongguan Citizen Service Center to access various public services of Hong Kong. The opening hours of the kiosk in the Center are 9am to noon and 1pm to 5pm, Monday to Friday (except public holidays on the Mainland). For details, please visit the Hong Kong Cross-boundary Public Services thematic website at www.crossboundaryservices.gov.hk/en/home/index.html.
Following the Hong Kong Cross-boundary Public Services self-service kiosks that commenced operation earlier in Guangzhou, Qianhai and Futian in Shenzhen, Zhuhai and Foshan as well as Huizhou, the Cross-boundary Public Services self-service kiosk in Dongguan also provides over 70 public services from 12 government bureaux and departments as well as related organisations, encompassing eight areas commonly used by enterprises and the public including taxation, company registration, property and vehicle enquiry and registration, application for personal identification documents and entry of talent, welfare and education, healthcare, immigration clearance, urgent assistance as well as culture and tourism. Members of the public can use the self-service kiosks to perform data entry, document scanning and result printing to enjoy one-stop access when applying for various public services.
An "iAM Smart" self-registration kiosk is also set up at the Dongguan location to enable Hong Kong residents working and living on the Mainland to register for "iAM Smart+" and directly use the "iAM Smart" mobile app for one-stop public services, covering more than 400 Hong Kong public services, such as renewal of a vehicle licence, enrolment for the Contactless e-Channel, and application for student grant. For details and registration requirements, please visit the "iAM Smart" thematic website at www.iamsmart.gov.hk/en/reg.html.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202502/21/P2025022100205.htm.
United Nations Sanctions (Central African Republic) Regulation 2020 (Amendment) Regulation 2025 gazetted
The Government gazetted the United Nations Sanctions (Central African Republic) Regulation 2020 (Amendment) Regulation 2025 (the Amendment Regulation) on 21 February 2025, which came into operation today.
"The Amendment Regulation amends the United Nations Sanctions (Central African Republic) Regulation 2020 to give effect to certain decisions relating to sanctions in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2745 in respect of the Central African Republic," a Government spokesman said.
The amendments renew the travel ban and financial sanctions, and amend the time-limited arms-related sanctions measures.
The HKSARG has all along been implementing fully the sanctions imposed by the UNSC. The Amendment Regulation aims to give effect to the instructions by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for fulfilling the international obligations of the People's Republic of China as a Member State of the United Nations.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202502/21/P2025022100181.htm.
Government welcomes passage of Road Tunnels (Government) (Amendment) Bill 2024
The Government welcomed the passage of the Road Tunnels (Government) (Amendment) Bill 2024 by the LegCo on 20 February 2025, which lays the foundation for the Government to smoothly take over the Tai Lam Tunnel (TLT) and implement new tolls at a suitably reduced level.
The Government will implement a time-varying toll at the TLT. The tolls for all types of vehicles will be substantially reduced from the current levels, i.e. the toll for private cars is between $18 and $45; the toll for motorcycles (including motor tricycles) is between $7.2 and $18; the toll for taxis is charged at an all-day fixed rate of $28, while other commercial vehicles including goods vehicles and buses are charged an all-day fixed toll of $43. The above tolls will come into force on 31 May 2025 when the Government takes over the TLT. The HKeToll will also be implemented at the TLT, and the TD will announce the details in due course.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202502/20/P2025022000247.htm.
CEPA Forum held on 19 February 2025
The HKSARG and the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China co-organised the Forum on the Amendment Agreement II on 19 February 2025. The forum aimed to familiarise business sectors with the liberalisation measures and implementation arrangements of the Amendment Agreement II signed by both sides under the CEPA framework on 9 October 2024.
The HKSARG would like to express sincere gratitude to the Central Government for its support for the HKSAR, with the Ministry of Commerce and relevant authorities actively responding to the HKSARG’s proposal of further opening up the Mainland market to Hong Kong in trade in services and signing the Amendment Agreement II, enabling more Hong Kong businesses and professionals to enter the Mainland market with more preferential treatments. The Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Ms Maggie Wong, and the Director-General of the Department of Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao Affairs of the Ministry of Commerce, Mr Fan Shijie, attended the forum and delivered speeches.
Over 350 people, including representatives from local and foreign chambers of commerce, consulates, major trade associations and professional sectors, participated in the forum. The forum comprised three breakout sessions covering financial and legal services; audiovisual and telecommunications services; and other services (including construction and related engineering, medical, testing and certification, advertising, and tourism and travel related services). Representatives from over 20 central ministries and HKSARG bureaux and departments briefed participants at the forum on the content and implementation arrangements of the Amendment Agreement II, as well as the criteria and procedures for application for preferential treatments, and answered questions from the trade.
The Mainland and Hong Kong signed CEPA in 2003. CEPA has now been upgraded to a comprehensive and modern free trade agreement, covering four major areas, namely Trade in Goods, Trade in Services, Investment, and Economic and Technical Co-operation. The Amendment Agreement II introduces new liberalisation measures across a number of service sectors where Hong Kong enjoys competitive advantages, thus making it easier for Hong Kong service suppliers and professionals to set up enterprises and develop businesses in the Mainland, as well as enabling them to make contribution to the national development of new quality productive forces and solid progress in promoting high-quality development. The Amendment Agreement II came into effect on the day of signing and will be implemented on 1 March.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202502/19/P2025021900560.htm.
Trade Union Regulatory Regime to be improved
The Labour and Welfare Bureau and the LD have issued a paper to the LegCo Panel on Manpower proposing amendments to the Trade Unions Ordinance (TUO) on 19 February 2025.
To better fulfil the duty of safeguarding national security under the Hong Kong National Security Law (NSL) and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO), the Government proposes to amend the TUO to strengthen the statutory powers of the Registrar of Trade Unions over the supervision and regulation of trade unions and to improve the trade union regulatory regime. The proposed amendments address the current situation of local trade unions, complement the NSL and the SNSO, and protect employees' right and freedom to form and join trade unions pursuant to the Basic Law, the Hong Kong Bill of Rights Ordinance and relevant international conventions. The major proposed amendments are set out in the above paper of the LegCo Panel on Manpower.
The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, said, "Apart from enhancing the mechanism for safeguarding national security, the proposed amendments will also improve the trade union regulatory regime and promote the healthy development of trade unions, while giving due regard to the freedom and right of Hong Kong residents to form and join trade unions. I look forward to the LegCo's support for the proposed amendments."
The LD consulted the Labour Advisory Board on the major proposed amendments on 22 January 2025, and members expressed support at the meeting. The Government will consult the LegCo Panel on Manpower on 24 February and plans to introduce the amendment bill to the LegCo in April 2025.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202502/19/P2025021900359.htm.
Government updates Talent List to tie in with development into high value-added and diversified economy
The Government announced on 18 February 2025 that the latest round of the Talent List update has been completed. The new Talent List (see Annex) will take effect from 1 March (Saturday) and cover 60 professions with local talent shortages. Outside talents who meet the eligibility criteria for relevant professions can enjoy immigration facilitation when applying under the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS), the General Employment Policy (GEP) and the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP).
Following the update, the Talent List will include nine newly added professions from the industry segments of financial services (accountants, financial professionals with Islamic market experience and experienced professionals in commodities trading), innovation and technology (experienced systems architects and patent professionals), legal and dispute resolution services (legal knowledge engineers) and aviation and shipping (ship surveyors, professionals in green shipping and aircraft maintenance engineers).
The updated List, detailed specifications of individual professions and the guidance note for applying under applicable admission schemes have been uploaded to the dedicated website (www.talentlist.gov.hk) and the website of Hong Kong Talent Engage (www.hkengage.gov.hk). Those interested in submitting applications for the admission schemes can visit the electronic application platform of the ImmD's (www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/index.html#tab_b_1) and submit applications.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202502/18/P2025021800221.htm.
Minimum Wage Commission delighted by acceptance of recommended new Statutory Minimum Wage rate
After thorough consideration, the Minimum Wage Commission (MWC) has recommended raising the Statutory Minimum Wage (SMW) rate from the current $40 per hour to $42.1.
The Chairperson of the MWC, Ms Priscilla Wong, said on 18 February 2025, "We are delighted to learn that the Chief Executive (CE) in Council has accepted our recommendation about the SMW rate after considering the report of the MWC."
Ms Wong added, "The MWC agreed to adopt the formula approved by the CE in Council on 30 April 2024, to derive the recommended SMW rate (please refer to the Annex). During the review process, the MWC discussed in detail the implementation arrangements for adopting the formula, examining the latest data of indicators in the formula and assessing the relevant impacts. The MWC believes that the new SMW rate can maintain an appropriate balance between forestalling excessively low wages and minimising the loss of low-paid jobs, while giving due regard to sustaining Hong Kong's economic growth and competitiveness, which is in line with the policy objectives of the SMW. We earnestly hope that the new SMW rate will be accepted by the LegCo."
The 2024 Report on Reviewing the Statutory Minimum Wage Rate has been uploaded to the MWC's website (www.mwc.org.hk).
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202502/18/P2025021800211.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.
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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