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SUCCESS
E-newsletter
28 May 2025

What's New
Topical Issues
Business News

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 Linkis also established for SMEs to access information and support services provided by the four SME centres and government departments from a single online platform.

"Government Funding Schemes" of the SME Link

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.

Events & Activities of the SME Link

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 and webinar under this series are listed below. Interested persons are welcome to register at the links shown therein. Admission is Free.

I. Trends of Digital Marketing and Brand Building of KOL: From Strategy to Practice (Seminar)

(This seminar will be held at Trade and Industry Tower on 29 May 2025)

This seminar is held by the "SUCCESS" of the TID. In this seminar, a professional trainer of Employees Retraining Board will provide the latest overview of Hong Kong market and explore the core strategies for relevant digital marketing practices. A practical guide to key opinion leaders (KOL) brand building and cases studies on Hong Kong and Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) markets will also be shared, with a view to assisting SMEs in understanding the working mechanism of digital marketing through KOL and building their own brands by effective integration of different resources. (This seminar will be conducted in Cantonese.)

More Details and Registration

II. Xiaohongshu x AI: Comprehensive Strategies for E-commerce (Seminar)

(This seminar will be held at Trade and Industry Tower on 6 June 2025)

This seminar is held by the “SUCCESS” of the TID. This seminar will introduce the Xiaohongshu platform, the opportunities for Hong Kong enterprises to leverage this platform, and how to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) with the Xiaohongshu platform for effective marketing strategies, with a view to assisting Hong Kong SMEs in tapping into the e-commerce market of the Mainland of China. (This seminar will be conducted in Cantonese.)

More Details and Registration

III. IP in the ESG Path to Green Growth (Seminar)

(This seminar will be held at Trade and Industry Tower on 11 June 2025)

This seminar is held by the “SUCCESS” of the TID. This seminar will explain the importance of intellectual property (IP) as a component in ESG and its various roles in ESG, relevant case studies, and IP financing, with a view to assisting SMEs in transforming innovative technologies or outcome into actual productivity and driving sustainable development in ESG. (This seminar will be conducted in Cantonese.)

More Details and Registration

IV. Exploration of New Market: Path to Success in E-commerce in Southeast Asia (Seminar)

(This seminar will be held at Trade and Industry Tower on 13 June 2025)

This seminar is held by the “SUCCESS” of the TID. In this seminar, an expert will bring comprehensive insights on the e-commerce markets of Southeast Asia, including relevant trends, consumer behaviours and key characteristics. Effective strategies for entering the Southeast Asian e-commerce markets, with analysis on key markets in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and viable business solutions, will also be shared, with a view to assisting SMEs in seizing relevant emerging e-commerce opportunities. (This seminar will be conducted in Cantonese.)

More Details and Registration

V. “SME LevelUp Workshop” – Embracing Innovation in e-Commerce Strategies Series

(Webinar (3) will be live-streamed on 27 June 2025)

This series of “SME LevelUp Workshop” held by the SME One of the HKPC focuses on Xiaohongshu, Douyin, Taobao and JD.com, and reveal the “traffic code” strategies of these e-commerce platforms, as well as share cross-border sales techniques, with a view to assisting SMEs in expanding their e-commerce sales networks, attracting customers and monetising efficiently. The webinars "Embracing Innovation in e-Commerce Strategies Series (1): Xiaohongshu Traffic Code" and "Embracing Innovation in e-Commerce Strategies Series (2): Douyin Short Video Algorithm Strategy" were held on 30 April 2025 and 23 May 2025 respectively.

(3) "The Power of Cross-Border Livestreaming to New Heights of Success" (webinar) will explore marketing strategy on Taobao and JD.com e-commerce platforms and tips for cross-border live streaming, as well as explain how to collaborate with KOL.

This series of webinars will be conducted in Cantonese.


More Details and Registration
 

SUCCESS-supported Activities

I. The Art & Science of Small Talk (Online Course)

(This course will be live-streamed on 12 June 2025)

This course is offered by the HKPC. SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations. This online course will explore the art and science of small talk. (This course will be conducted in Cantonese.)

More Details and Registration

II. Cyber Attack and Defence Elite Training cum Tournament 2025

This event is co-organised by the Hong Kong Internet Registration Corporation Limited (HKIRC), Digital Policy Office (DPO) and the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau (CSTCB) of the Hong Kong Police Force. SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations. This event provides academic and industry elites with a series of free training in cyber attack and defence and opportunities to simulate actual combat through simulated cyber attack competitions, aiming to cultivate a new generation of cyber attack and defence experts and enhance the cyber security level in Hong Kong. The event is now open for application until 13 June 2025.

More Details and Registration (in Chinese Only)

III. Cyber Security Staff Awareness Recognition Scheme

This scheme is co-organised by the HKIRC and the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) China Hong Kong Chapter, with the DPO, the CSTCB of the Hong Kong Police Force and the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data, Hong Kong as Scheme Partners.  SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations. This scheme aims to recognise Hong Kong organisations for their commitment to strengthening cyber security and enhancing staff awareness. The upcoming round of the scheme for 2025 is now open for application until 15 August 2025.

More Details and Registration

IV. "HKIRC Cybersec One" Programme

This programme is organised by the HKIRC, with the DPO and the CSTCB of the Hong Kong Police Force as strategic partners. SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations. This programme provides participating organizations with integrated cybersecurity services free of charge, including risk assessments, vulnerability identification, and staff training, to help them embark on their “cybersecurity journey” and strengthen their capability on cybersecurity defence. Local primary and secondary schools, non-governmental organisations and SMEs are welcome to register.  The programme is open for application all year round.

More Details (in Chinese Only) and Registration
 

Briefing on Abolition of MPF Offsetting Arrangement

(This briefing will be live-streamed and held at the Hall, North Point Community Hall, 123 Java Road, North Point, Hong Kong on 26 June 2025)

This briefing is organised by the Labour Department. Participants of the briefing will be briefed on the key features of the abolition of MPF offsetting arrangement, the calculation of severance payment/long service payment after the abolition and the 25-year "Subsidy Scheme for Abolition of MPF Offsetting Arrangement". Employers, employees and human resources practitioners are welcome to attend.

This briefing will be conducted in Cantonese and admission is free. Seats will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis and the enrolment deadline is 18 June 2025. The enrolment form can be downloaded from the thematic website of the abolition of MPF offsetting arrangement (www.op.labour.gov.hk/en/pdf/Enrolment Form_June_(e).pdf).

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202505/26/P2025052200603.htm.
 

Hong Kong and Maldives enter into tax pact

​Hong Kong on 26 May 2025 (Maldives time) signed a comprehensive avoidance of double taxation agreement (CDTA) with Maldives in that country. It sets out the allocation of taxing rights between Hong Kong and Maldives, which will help investors better assess their potential tax liabilities from cross-border economic activities.

The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, said, "Maldives is a participant in the Belt and Road Initiative. This CDTA, which is the 52nd that Hong Kong has concluded, signifies the ongoing achievements of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government in expanding Hong Kong's CDTA network, in particular with tax jurisdictions participating in the Belt and Road Initiative. I have every confidence that this CDTA will further promote economic and trade connections between Hong Kong and Maldives. We will continue to seek to sign CDTAs with other tax jurisdictions. This will enhance the attractiveness of Hong Kong as a business and investment hub and consolidate the city's status as an international economic and trade centre."

In accordance with the Hong Kong-Maldives CDTA, Hong Kong companies can enjoy double taxation relief in that any tax paid in Maldives, whether directly or by deduction, will be allowed as a credit against the tax payable in Hong Kong in respect of the same income under the tax laws of Hong Kong.

The CDTA also provides the following tax relief arrangements:

(a) Maldives' withholding tax rate for Hong Kong residents on dividends will be capped at 5 per cent or 10 per cent (depending on the percentage of their shareholdings);

(b) Hong Kong airlines operating flights to and from Maldives will be taxed at Hong Kong's corporation tax rate on their profits, and will not be taxed in Maldives; and

(c) Profits from international shipping transport earned by Hong Kong residents arising in Maldives will enjoy a 50 per cent tax reduction in Maldives.

The Commissioner of Inland Revenue, Mr Benjamin Chan, signed the CDTA on behalf of the HKSARG with the Commissioner General of Taxation of the Inland Revenue Authority, Mr Hassan Zareer, representative of the Government of Maldives, on the margins of the Eighth High-level meeting of the Asia Initiative hosted by Maldives.

The CDTA will come into force after completion of ratification procedures by both jurisdictions. In Hong Kong, the Chief Executive in Council will make an order under the Inland Revenue Ordinance (Cap. 112), which will be tabled at the Legislative Council (LegCo) for negative vetting. Details of the Hong Kong-Maldives CDTA are available on the Inland Revenue Department's website.

The Asia Initiative was launched by the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development in 2021. It focuses on developing tailored solutions to ensure the implementation of tax transparency standards across Asia and enhancing regional co-operation. To date, Hong Kong and 16 other tax jurisdictions have joined the Asia Initiative.

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202505/26/P2025052600479.htm.
 

Government proposes amendments to update regulations on merchant shipping for compliance with international standards

​The Government gazetted on 23 May 2025 nine amendment regulations to amend relevant regulations under the Merchant Shipping (Safety) Ordinance (Cap. 369), the Merchant Shipping (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Ordinance (Cap. 413), and the Merchant Shipping (Local Vessels) Ordinance (Cap. 548), to incorporate into local legislation the latest relevant requirements of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974; the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004; and the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973 of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

The nine regulations to be amended are:

(a) Merchant Shipping (Safety) (Grain) Regulations (Cap. 369AA);
(b) Merchant Shipping (Safety) (Navigational Equipment and Safety of Navigation) Regulation (Cap. 369BA);
(c) Merchant Shipping (Safety) (Construction and Survey) Regulation (Cap. 369BD);
(d) Merchant Shipping (Safety) (Fire-fighting Appliances and Fire Protection) Regulation (Cap. 369BE);
(e) Merchant Shipping (Safety) (Ships Operating in Polar Waters) Regulation (Cap. 369BF);
(f) Merchant Shipping (Local Vessels) (General) Regulation (Cap. 548F);
(g) Merchant Shipping (Reporting of Pollution Incidents) Regulations (Cap. 413C);
(h) Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Air Pollution) Regulation (Cap. 413P); and
(i) Merchant Shipping (Control of Ballast Water and Sediments) Regulation (Cap. 413Q).

The proposed amendments include new requirements related to the safe carriage of bulk grains in specially suitable compartments; reporting of loss of freight container(s), including those containing harmful substances in packaged form, from a ship or observation of freight container(s) drifting at sea; design, construction, installation and testing etc of shipboard lifting appliances, anchor handling winches and their utilised loose gear; prevention of fire and explosion, suppression of fire and special requirements for the protection of specific spaces; safe navigation and voyage planning for specific types of vessels when operating in polar waters; classification, labelling, packing and documentation of dangerous goods in packaged form carried by sea; provision of bunker delivery notes for the bunkering of low-flashpoint fuels and gas fuels, and approval of electronic Ballast Water Record Boots and verification of the entries therein, etc.

A spokesman for the Transport and Logistics Bureau (TLB) said, "As an Associate Member of the IMO, Hong Kong is committed to fulfilling our responsibilities to support the protection of the marine environment and the prevention of pollution, as well as to promote safe navigation. The proposed legislative amendments will keep our local laws up to date and in line with international standards on those fronts."

The Panel on Economic Development of the LegCo, the Hong Kong Fleet Operation Advisory Committee and the Local Vessels Advisory Committee of the Marine Department, as well as local fuel oil suppliers, have been consulted on the legislative proposals. The amendments were supported.

The proposed amendment regulations will be tabled at the LegCo for negative vetting on 28 May.

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202505/23/P2025052300321.htm.
 

Gazettal of amendments to subsidiary legislation relating to intellectual property registration and litigation matters

​The Government  gazetted the Rules of the High Court (Amendment) (No. 2) Rules 2025, the Patents (General) (Amendment) Rules 2025, the Registered Designs (Amendment) Rules 2025 and the Trade Marks (Amendment) Rules 2025 on 23 May 2025 to streamline the IP litigation processes in the High Court and the proceedings before the statutory registries of the Intellectual Property Department (IPD).

The three statutory registries of the IPD are responsible for registration matters of patents, registered designs and trade marks. The proceedings before and the operation of the registries are governed by the relevant IP subsidiary legislation. The amendments to the subsidiary legislation introduce provisions on the reference of proceedings to the court for determination, and enhance other proceedings before the registries and their operational arrangements.

In addition, the Rules of the High Court (Amendment) (No. 2) Rules 2025 repeal the existing Orders 100 and 103 of the Rules of the High Court, substitute new Orders 100 and 103 and introduce a new Order 122. The new Orders respectively govern trade marks, patents and registered designs litigation processes in the Court of First Instance of the High Court, enabling more effective management and handling of cases by the High Court.

"Establishing legal rights in IP through registration and enforcing such rights through litigation in court are essential elements of the IP system. The legislative amendments will further enhance Hong Kong's IP legal framework, aligning with the national strategies of building an IP powerhouse and developing new quality productive forces. The legislative exercise is also one of the policy measures under the Chief Executive's 2024 Policy Address to strengthen Hong Kong's position as a regional IP trading centre," a spokesman for the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau (CEDB) said.

The above amendments to the subsidiary legislation will be tabled at the LegCo on 28 May for negative vetting. Subject to the completion of the necessary legislative process, they will come into effect on 1 October 2025.

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202505/23/P2025052300314.htm.
 

Demand notes for Government rent issued

The Lands Department announced on 23 May 2025 that demand notes for Government rent in excess of $100 per annum for the half year ending 24 June in respect of properties subject to the Government Leases Ordinance (Cap. 40) and certain other properties have been issued.

Payers can settle Government rent through various electronic means, including autopay, bank automated teller machines, e-Cheque/e-Cashier's Order, the Faster Payment System, payment by phone service (PPS), and bill payment services provided by banks and PPS on the Internet. Payment may also be made in person and in cash or through the Easy Pay System at designated convenience stores. For details, please visit the Treasury's website at www.try.gov.hk.

Payment may be made by sending a crossed cheque to PO Box No. 28000, Sham Shui Po Post Office, Hong Kong, or in person to any post office. Please ensure sufficient mailing time and postage to make the delivery in order. Underpaid mail will be rejected. For locations of post offices and their opening hours, please call Hongkong Post's enquiry hotline at 2921 2222 or visit its website at www.hongkongpost.hk.

Government rent payers who have not received their demand notes should enquire at the Government Rent and Premium Unit of the Lands Department at 1/F, North Point Government Offices, 333 Java Road, North Point, Hong Kong, or call 2231 3033.

Purchasers of properties are strongly advised to instruct their solicitors to ensure that Government rent has been paid to date at the time of purchase. Enquiries on outstanding accounts can be made at 2231 3033 or email to landsd@landsd.gov.hk. An enquiry fee is payable for each property if a written confirmation of accounts position is needed.

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202505/23/P2025052300224.htm.
 

Company re-domiciliation opens for application

The Government announced on 23 May 2025 that company re-domiciliation is now open for application.

The Companies (Amendment) (No. 2) Ordinance 2025 was gazetted and came into effect on the same day. From 23 May 2025 onwards, a company incorporated outside Hong Kong may apply to the Companies Registry (CR) for re-domiciliation to Hong Kong. The mechanism reduces the need to go through complicated and costly judicial procedures, and enables a re-domiciled company to maintain its legal identity as a body corporate, thereby ensuring business continuity. At the same time, an applicant for company re-domiciliation is required to fulfil requirements concerning company background, integrity, member and creditor protection, solvency, etc.

The types of company which may apply for re-domiciliation to Hong Kong include a private company limited by shares, a public company limited by shares, a private unlimited company with a share capital and a public unlimited company with a share capital, or a type comparable to the above four types of company.

Under normal circumstances, the CR will complete the approval process within two weeks after an applicant has submitted all required documents and information. Upon the issuance of a certificate of re-domiciliation, the applicant becomes a re-domiciled company, which will generally be regarded as a Hong Kong-incorporated company with effect from its re-domiciliation date. A 120-day period will be allowed for the re-domiciled company to complete the deregistration procedures at its place of incorporation.

For regulatory purposes of the insurance and banking sectors, a non-Hong Kong-incorporated authorized insurer, or an authorized institution, a holding company of an authorized institution or an approved money broker should approach the Insurance Authority (IA) or the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) (as the case may be) for prior assessment before making a re-domiciliation application to the CR.

Further information on company re-domiciliation procedures, including a guide on company re-domiciliation, forms and frequently asked questions, is available in a new thematic section of the CR's website (www.cr.gov.hk/en/legislation/co2025/redomiciliation/overview.htm). The IA and HKMA will announce details on the requirements for relevant financial institutions separately.

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202505/23/P2025052200343.htm.
 

HKMA partners with Land Registry to promote opening up of government data via CDI-CDEG linkage


The HKMA announced on 22 May 2025 the successful connection between the HKMA's Commercial Data Interchange (CDI) and the Land Registry (LR) through the Government's Consented Data Exchange Gateway (CDEG) (LR@CDI), enabling CDI participating banks to automate their land search processes. The linkage marks another major achievement in meeting banks' demand for government data after the connection of the CR to CDI through CDEG (CR@CDI).

Key features and benefits of LR@CDI

By connecting to the LR via the CDI-CDEG linkage, banks can search land and ownership information in a straight-through manner via Application Programming Interface (API), effectively streamlining their processes in relation to property valuation, mortgage and loan assessments for individual and corporate customers. This would in turn enable banks to enhance risk assessment, improve customer experience and reduce time costs.

With the launch of LR@CDI, CDI participating banks can also access e-Alert notifications via API when further charge/mortgage documents related to the mortgaged properties are lodged for registration with the LR, thereby providing banks with timely updates on the risk profile of their mortgage lending.

Growing utilisation of CR@CDI

Since the CDI-CDEG linkage came into full operation in August 2024, CR@CDI has been well received by banks, with average monthly data transfers amounting to approximately 1.5 million. Eight banks are actively utilising the CR@CDI connection to enhance their operational efficiency and risk management capabilities in different business scenarios such as automating online account opening process and conducting customer due diligence. More banks are expected to join the CDI service to obtain company search records in a more streamlined manner with the use of API.

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202505/22/P2025052100613.htm.
 

Government welcomes passage of Stablecoins Bill

The Government welcomed the passage of the Stablecoins Bill by the LegCo on 21 May 2025 to establish a licensing regime for fiat-referenced stablecoins (FRS) issuers in Hong Kong, to further enhance Hong Kong's regulatory framework on virtual-asset (VA) activities, thereby fostering financial stability and encouraging financial innovation.

Upon implementation of the Stablecoins Ordinance, any person who, in the course of business, issues an FRS in Hong Kong, or issues an FRS that purports to maintain a stable value with reference to Hong Kong dollars in or outside Hong Kong will need to obtain a licence from the Monetary Authority (MA). The relevant persons must satisfy the requirements in areas such as reserve asset management and redemption, including proper segregation of client assets, maintaining a robust stabilisation mechanism, and processing stablecoin holders' requests for redemption at par value with reasonable conditions. The relevant persons must also comply with a range of requirements, including those on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing, risk management, disclosure and auditing, and fitness and propriety. The MA will conduct further consultations on the detailed regulatory requirements of the regime in due course.

The regulatory regime will provide better protection for the general public and investors. Among others, under the Ordinance, only specified licensed institutions may offer an FRS in Hong Kong, and only an FRS issued by a licensed issuer may be offered to a retail investor. Additionally, to prevent fraud and scams, at all times (including the six-month non-contravention period), only advertisements of licensed FRS issuance are allowed. Members of the public are advised to take note of the above and exercise care when receiving FRS-related advertising materials or messages.

The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, said, "The Ordinance adheres to the 'same activity, same risks, same regulation' principle, with a focus on a risk-based approach to promote a robust regulatory environment. This is not only in line with international regulatory requirements, but also lays a solid foundation for Hong Kong's virtual asset market, which, in turn, promotes the sustainable development of the industry, protects users' rights and interests, and strengthens Hong Kong's status as an international financial centre."

The Chief Executive of the HKMA, Mr Eddie Yue, said, "The Ordinance has established a risk-based, pragmatic, and flexible regulatory regime. We believe that a robust and fit-for-purpose regulatory environment would provide favourable conditions to support the healthy, responsible, and sustainable development of Hong Kong's stablecoin and the broader digital asset ecosystem."

The Ordinance is expected to come into effect in 2025, to allow sufficient time for the industry to understand the requirements under the licensing regime. The regime also provides for a transitional arrangement to facilitate the industry in applying for a licence and making suitable business arrangements in accordance with the regulatory regime.

The Government will continue to support the development of the VA sector. Following the implementation of the VA trading platform and stablecoins issuers regulatory regimes, the Government will soon launch consultations on VA over-the-counter and custodian services, and promulgate the second policy statement on the development of VAs.

 
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202505/21/P2025052100374.htm.
 

Legislative amendments on air transport of dangerous goods gazetted

Legislative amendments which seek to implement the latest requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for the safe transport of dangerous goods (DG) by air was gazetted on 23 May 2025 for tabling in the LegCo on 28 May, and targeted for commencement on 18 July 2025.

The Air Navigation (Hong Kong) Order 1995 (Amendment of Schedule 16) Order 2025 and the Dangerous Goods (Consignment by Air) (Safety) Regulations (Amendment of Schedule) Order 2025 serve to incorporate the ICAO's latest requirements in the local legislation. Such requirements are set out in a new edition (i.e. the 2025-2026 edition) of the ICAO's Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air (Technical Instructions).

Some of the updated provisions introduced by the new edition of the Technical Instructions include:

(a) A requirement to indicate on the DG transport document the dimensions of packages containing certain radioactive materials has been added to facilitate cargo loading procedures;

(b) A note specifying DG allowed for carriage by passengers has been relocated to better reflect its applicability; and

(c) Some changes to the technical requirements on the classification, packing, marking and labelling of certain kinds of DG for carriage by air have been incorporated.

"The aviation industry is supportive to the legislative amendments which aim to enhance the safe carriage of DG by air," a spokesperson for the TLB said.

DG, in the context of air transport, include explosives, compressed gas, flammable liquids, flammable solids, oxidising substances, toxic substances, infectious substances, radioactive materials and corrosives.

 
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202505/21/P2025052100247.htm.
 

Legislative amendments on low-altitude economy development gazetted

Legislative amendments which seek to facilitate the development of the low-altitude economy (LAE) was gazetted on 23 May 2025 to amend the Small Unmanned Aircraft Order (Cap. 448G) and the Air Navigation (Hong Kong) Order 1995 (Cap. 448C).

The Small Unmanned Aircraft (Amendment) Order 2025 serves to extend the existing regulatory regime to cover small unmanned aircraft (SUA) weighing over 25 kilograms but not exceeding 150kg. The major proposed amendments include:

(1) to add a new category C aircraft (i.e. those weighing over 25kg but not more than 150kg);

(2) to require anyone operating category C aircraft to obtain prior permission from the Civil Aviation Department (CAD);

(3) to impose insurance requirements for category C aircraft;

(4) to permit a statutory fee to be charged on a full cost-recovery basis (e.g. fees for registration of a category C aircraft);

(5) to require anyone operating cross-boundary SUA operations, regardless of the weight of the SUA deployed, to obtain prior permission from the CAD; and

(6) to require information in respect of SUA operated under the CAD's prior permission to be kept for six months and be accessible within Hong Kong to facilitate enforcement.

As well, the Air Navigation (Hong Kong) Order 1995 (Amendment) Order 2025 serves to facilitate the trials of various unconventional aircraft in Hong Kong. New articles are proposed to be added under Cap. 448C to empower the Chief Executive to permit the trials of unconventional aircraft under specified conditions.

A spokesman for the TLB said, "In order to tie in with the overall national development, the Government has been proactively taking forward various initiatives to promote LAE development in Hong Kong, and it is imperative to establish a robust legal and regulatory framework for the emerging technologies for LAE. The proposed legislative amendments can tap into the potential of heavier SUA and facilitate trial flights for unconventional aircraft, thereby expanding and enriching the application scenarios for different low-altitude flying activities.

"In the longer term, the Government is also studying a new and customised piece of legislation regulating different types of unconventional aircraft," the spokesman added.

The Amendment Orders will be tabled at the LegCo on 28 May. Subject to scrutiny by the LegCo, the Amendment Orders will be targeted for commencement on 18 July.

 
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202505/21/P2025052100313.htm.
 

EEB and GACC sign co-operation agreements on export of meat and dairy products from Hong Kong to Mainland

The Environment and Ecology Bureau of the HKSARG and the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (GACC) signed the Memorandum of Understanding on the Inspection, Quarantine and Hygiene Requirements for Meat Products Exported from Hong Kong to the Mainland and the Cooperation Arrangement for the Export of Dairy Products from Hong Kong to the Mainland (collectively referred to as co-operation agreements) in Hong Kong on 19 May 2025, facilitating food trade between Hong Kong and the Mainland.

The Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, said, "The co-operation agreements will further facilitate food trade between Hong Kong and the Mainland, as well as the development of meat and dairy products businesses in Hong Kong. Upon implementation of the arrangements, Hong Kong-manufactured meat and dairy products meeting the requirements set out in the co-operation agreements will be allowed to be imported into the Mainland."

The co-operation agreements put in place the monitoring of food safety from the source for Hong Kong-manufactured meat and dairy products exported to the Mainland. The co-operation agreements will cover requirements for testing the sources of food raw materials and for the food manufacturers on production management, including storage and transportation of food products.

Following the signing of the co-operation agreements, the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department will discuss with the GACC the operational details of the agreements. In addition, the CFS will organise seminars for the trade to help them better understand the requirements of the co-operation agreements.
 
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202505/19/P2025051900432.htm.
 

CEDB and GACC sign Cooperation Arrangement on Single Window between Mainland and Hong Kong

The CEDB of the HKSARG and the GACC signed the Cooperation Arrangement on Single Window on 19 May 2025 to further strengthen collaboration and exchanges on Single Window between Hong Kong and the Mainland, as well as to enhance system connectivity between the two places.

The Cooperation Arrangement was signed by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, and the Minister of the GACC, Ms Sun Meijun.

Mr Yau said that the Mainland is Hong Kong's largest partner in trade in goods with frequent cross-boundary trade. An efficient and convenient cargo clearance process between the two places is of utmost importance. As an important trade facilitation measure, Single Window provides a one-stop electronic platform for the trade to lodge various types of trade documents for trade declaration and cargo clearance. The CEDB and the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) have been maintaining close liaison with the GACC on the development of Single Window, and sharing experiences and exploring opportunities for collaboration with the Mainland authorities through the established Single Window Expert Group. The signing of the Cooperation Arrangement will allow collaboration and interconnectivity of the systems of the two places to reach new heights, enhancing the existing mechanism of exchange and co-operation, as well as exploring different areas of collaboration.

The implementation of Single Window will enhance the efficiency of cargo clearance in Hong Kong and consolidate Hong Kong's status as an international trade centre and logistics hub. The CEDB is implementing Single Window in three phases, with Phase 1 and Phase 2 in full service since 2020 and 2023 respectively, covering a total of 42 types of trade documents. Phase 3 services will be rolled out in batches from 2026 onwards. By then, the system will be connected with the Mainland's Single Window.

In addition, to promote the development of cargo clearance facilitation between the two places, the GACC and the C&ED launched the Mainland-Hong Kong "Single Submission for Dual Declaration" Scheme in November 2024, covering all cargo imported from the Mainland to Hong Kong through land boundary control points. The Scheme helps enterprises save time and manpower required for declaration and minimise operating costs. To enhance the facilitation, the Scheme will cover all cargo passing through land boundary control points between the two places starting from today, enabling industry stakeholders to reuse road cargo information when submitting to the systems of both sides, thereby further facilitating the trade and enhancing efficiency.

The Scheme will be reprovisioned in Phase 3 of Single Window. The Government will maintain close collaboration with the GACC to explore the feasibility of extending the relevant functions to other trade documents and transport modes.

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202505/19/P2025051900289.htm.
 

Hong Kong's first multi-storey, modernised, and environment-friendly pig farming project to accept applications from 30 May 2025

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) conducted on 27 May 2025 a briefing session on application requirements and a site visit for Hong Kong's first multi-storey, modernised, and environment-friendly pig farming project, introducing the details and the application requirements of the project to interested parties. The project will be open for applications from 30 May.

An AFCD spokesman said, "The Environment and Ecology Bureau, in collaboration with the agriculture and fisheries industries, published the Blueprint for the Sustainable Development of Agriculture and Fisheries in 2023, outlining the Government's vision for the sustainable development of the local livestock industry in the future. The Blueprint proposed promoting the adoption of multi-storey, environment-friendly and enclosed livestock farming buildings operated in an intensive and modernised manner. Technology and automated equipment will be introduced to enhance farming efficiency and properly address the environmental issues arising from livestock farming. This initiative can also save land and achieve sustainable operations and development. Promoting the construction of multi-storey, modernised, and environment-friendly livestock farms is one of the policy initiatives in the 2024 Policy Address."

The Government has reserved a site of approximately one hectare in Sheung Shui for the development of the project. The site formation works are expected to be completed by 2026. The AFCD invites applications from organisations for the use of the site to construct and operate the first multi-storey, modernised, and environment-friendly pig farm. Applicants must submit detailed business plans, including plans to consolidate pig farmers affected by government development projects, and details on investment capital and financing arrangements, and pig production operations. The AFCD will select a suitable organisation for leasing the site to construct and operate the multi-storey, modernised, and environment-friendly pig farm based on criteria such as intensification capability, financial feasibility, and technical assessment.

For details, please visit the AFCD website.
 
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202505/16/P2025051600659.htm.
 

Protection of the Harbour (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 comes into force

The Protection of the Harbour (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 (the Amendment Ordinance) was gazetted and came into force on 16 May 2025.

The Amendment Ordinance received its third reading and was passed at the meeting of the LegCo on 7 May. The Amendment Ordinance aims to amend the Protection of the Harbour Ordinance (Cap. 531) (the Ordinance), and seeks to, on one hand, set out a clearer mechanism to regulate reclamations in Victoria Harbour (the Harbour), in particular large-scale reclamations, for protecting the Harbour; and on the other hand, introduce a streamlined mechanism for small-scale reclamations which improve the functions and harbourfront of the Harbour as well as non-permanent reclamations in the Harbour, in order to facilitate and promote harbourfront enhancement for public enjoyment and to strengthen harbour functions.

According to the amended Ordinance, harbour enhancement reclamations and harbour non-permanent reclamations meeting certain criteria and are in the public interest, may be granted with exemption from the "Presumption against Reclamation" (the Presumption) by the Financial Secretary under the streamlined mechanism to facilitate these works which could benefit the community.

Other reclamations in the Harbour will still be subject to the stringent Presumption. To rebut the Presumption, it is not only necessary to consider the three considerations set out in earlier court judgment (which are now incorporated as part of the Ordinance), it is also obligatory to comply with the new statutory procedures, which include: to prepare an assessment on the "overriding public need" of the project, to publish the report for public comments and to submit the report and the comments received to the Chief Executive in Council for determination on whether the Presumption is rebutted.

A spokesperson for the Development Bureau (DEVB) said, all along, if any government departments or other persons have proposals to carry out reclamations in the Harbour, they must first be considered and approved (if granted) by the Government in accordance with the Ordinance. The amended Ordinance will more effectively regulate the Government in exercising the power to pursue reclamations in the Harbour. On the other hand, the amendments of the Ordinance do not change the right of members of the public in applying for judicial review against the decision of the Administration.

The spokesperson said, the Amendment Ordinance demonstrates the Government's commitment to protecting Victoria Harbour, and also provides a more solid legal basis for the long-term protection of the Harbour. Moreover, the Government will have greater flexibility in connecting the harbourfront and enhancing the harbour functions, which will promote the better use of harbourfront resources, and creating with the community a Victoria harbourfront that everyone could be proud of. The Government has reiterated that there is no plan to initiate large-scale harbour reclamations to form land for housing, commercial or industrial developments.

With the amendments to the Ordinance coming into force, the DEVB and relevant departments are finalising the administrative guidelines, which will be completed and published within two months. During the consultation and examination of the legislative amendments, the Government received a number of suggestions on how to improve the harbourfront on both sides of the Harbour. The Government noted the views received. Subject to the availability of resources, the Government will exchange ideas with various sectors, with a view to leveraging the facilitations brought by the streamlined mechanism for taking forward more works that are conducive to the public's enjoyment of the Victoria harbourfront.
 
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202505/16/P2025051600685.htm.
 

Revisions of fees under Land Registration Ordinance published

The Government published in the Gazette on 16 May 2025 the Land Registration Fees (Amendment) Regulation 2025 (the Amendment Regulation) to revise the fees for registration services provided by the Land Registry Trading Fund.

The types of fees to be revised include:
(i) registration of instruments including assignment and mortgage;
(ii) registration of agreement for sale and purchase;
(iii) registration of lease, agreement for a lease, or renewal or surrender of a lease;
(iv) registration of other instruments; and
(v) registration of instruments whereby any charge or mortgage on any share or interest in any property is assigned or transferred.

A Government spokesman said, "The above-mentioned five types of fees have not been adjusted for almost 30 years and are significantly under-recovered. The Government has reviewed and adjusted the relevant fees in accordance with the established mechanism and 'user pays' principle. The revised fees are set at levels generally adequate for recovering the full costs of providing the services. In order for the affected parties to adapt to the fee revisions progressively, we propose to increase the above-mentioned fees in three phases in the financial years of 2025-26, 2026-27 and 2027-28 respectively, with the increases ranging from around 15 per cent to around 35 per cent in each phase. Among them, registration fee types (i) and (ii) are related to conveyancing transactions. After the fee revisions, the increase in registration fees is still limited compared with the overall costs involved in a typical property conveyancing transaction including property price, stamp duty, and fees for conveyancing solicitors and estate agents. Regarding the other three types of non-conveyancing related registration fees, the payers are primarily corporate clients and financial institutions. It is anticipated that the impact of the fee revisions will be manageable to them." The revised fees can be viewed from the Land Registry's website (www.landreg.gov.hk/en/new/fee.htm).

The Amendment Regulation was published in the Gazette on 16 May and tabled at the LegCo on 21 May. Subject to approval of the Amendment Regulation by the LegCo by negative vetting, the revised fees will come into effect in three phases on 16 July 2025, 1 July 2026, and 1 July 2027, respectively.
 
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202505/16/P2025051500625.htm.
 

New round of Cleaner Production Partnership Programme invites applications (deadline: 30 June 2027)

The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) started inviting applications for funding support under the new round of the Cleaner Production Partnership Programme on 14 May 2025 and expected to receive applications until 30 June 2027. The Programme will help expedite green transformation and the upgrade of traditional industries to achieve energy saving, emission reduction as well as reduction in consumption and carbon emissions, thereby improving the quality of the environment in the region and dovetailing with the high-quality national development.

The new round of the Programme will focus on new cleaner production technologies by providing funding support to Hong Kong-owned factories to carry out New Cleaner Production Technology Projects (NCPTP). In addition to continuing to encourage the implementation of cleaner production to reduce pollutant emissions, factories will also be encouraged to try out new technologies to achieve green transformation.

An EPD spokesperson said, "We will provide in particular a higher funding ceiling as an incentive for applications adopting new cleaner production technologies with local research and development participation. Hong Kong-owned factories are encouraged to adopt new cleaner production technologies developed by Hong Kong or jointly by Hong Kong and Guangdong organisations to provide a demonstration platform for practical application of these technologies, which would be conducive to these technologies in entering the Mainland market. The Government funding support for each NCPTP will be capped at $650,000. If the project for application involves the adoption of technologies developed by Hong Kong or jointly by Hong Kong and Guangdong organisations, the Government funding ceiling for the project will be increased to $750,000. The Government will fund 50 per cent of the project cost, subject to the funding ceilings."

Hong Kong-owned factories interested in joining the Programme may visit the website (www.cleanerproduction.hk/en) for details and download application forms. Enquiries can also be made by calling the implementation agent of the Programme, the HKPC, at 2788 5588.

In 2008, the EPD launched the Programme in collaboration with the then Economic and Information Commission of Guangdong Province (now the Department of Industry and Information Technology of Guangdong Province). Four rounds of the Programme have been launched so far with over $600 million devoted. The Programme has achieved remarkable results in improving the environmental quality in the region.

In light of the successful experience of the Programme, to further deepen the co-operation between Hong Kong and Guangdong in jointly promoting comprehensive green transformation, the Chief Executive proposed in the 2024 Policy Address to inject $100 million to launch a new round of the Programme to expedite green transformation, renovation and the upgrading of Hong Kong-owned factories in Hong Kong and Guangdong Province, bringing Hong Kong closer to its carbon-neutrality targets.
 
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202505/14/P2025051300543.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.

More Details

SME ReachOut

“SME ReachOut”, a dedicated service team operated by HKPC, has commenced operation since 1 January 2020 to enhance SMEs’ understanding of the Government’s funding schemes, with a view to encouraging better utilisation of the support provided by the Government. The team would help SMEs identify funding schemes that suit their needs, and answer questions relating to applications.

The Government has allocated $100 million to HKPC to gradually enhance the services of “SME ReachOut” in the ensuing five years starting from 2023. HKPC has enhanced the services of “SME ReachOut” in October 2023, including arranging visits to more chambers of commerce, commercial and industrial buildings and co-working spaces, and increasing the publicity in social media so as to step up the promotion of government funding schemes. At the same time, more one-on-one consultation sessions will be provided to assist SMEs in applying for government funding and building their capacities, focusing on areas such as ESG, technology transformation, digitalisation and cyber security, with a view to enhancing their competitiveness through leveraging new technologies.

For further information or enquiries on “SME ReachOut”, please contact “SME ReachOut” Hotline / WhatsApp (Text Message Only) at 2788 6868 or email by sme_reachout@hkpc.org or visit https://smereachout.hkpc.org/en.

Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading and Domestic Sales (BUD Fund)

To support enterprises to develop the markets of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) through electronic commerce (e-commerce) business, the geographical coverage of “E-commerce Easy” was expanded to the 10 ASEAN countries on 14 March 2025.

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.


Upcoming event for June 2025 is as follows:

Date Theme of Seminar
3 June 2025 The BUD Fund Seminar (More details at https://campaigns.hkpc.org/zh-hk/rsvp-budseminar20250603)

You are welcomed to join the seminar.

Corruption Prevention Advisory Service (CPAS) of ICAC

A good governance system is vital for SMEs' effective operation, and can help sustain their company image and hence counterparts' confidence in doing business with them. The Corruption Prevention Department of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has launched the Corruption Prevention Advisory Service (CPAS). The CPAS is a specialised unit dedicated to providing tailor-made, free and confidential corruption prevention advice on system control in common business areas such as procurement and staff administration. Enterprises can access its user-friendly web portal (https://cpas.icac.hk/EN/) for details of the services and to get timely and useful resources on corruption prevention such as staff code of conduct, corruption prevention guides and tools, case studies, quick tips and red flags. To receive regular updates on corruption prevention, please click here to subscribe to the CPAS e-news.

Free IP Consultation Service

The IPD, supported by the Law Society of Hong Kong, now provides FREE One-On-One IP Consultation Service for SMEs. To obtain more information and/or apply for the Service, please visit IPD's dedicated website "Hong Kong – Regional IP Trading Centre": https://ip.gov.hk/en/home/consultation-service/index.html.

 

Business News

GDETO Newsletter

The latest issue of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Guangdong (GDETO) Newsletter has been published.

More Details (in Chinese only)

Commercial Information Circulars (CICs) of the Mainland

The TID issued a number of Commercial Information Circulars (CICs) on the Mainland's trade and economic rules and regulations.  The latest CICs have been published. 

More Details

   
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