SUCCESS
E-newsletter
9 July 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.
As global awareness of decarbonisation grows and consumers' understanding of green and low-carbon lifestyle continues to enhance, whereas related international laws and regulations are constantly updated, SMEs need to grasp the latest information so as to capture the business opportunities and cope with related challenges. The "Decarbonisation ‧ Business Action", a one-stop thematic webpage, features links to information and services about decarbonisation and carbon audit, etc., including requirements and regulations of Hong Kong and our trading partners, support measures and technological solutions, to help SMEs better prepare and position their businesses in the dynamics of international trade networks and supply chains and capture the business opportunities arising from low-carbon solutions and new markets emerging around the world.
What's New
SUCCESS-supported Activities
I. Seminar on “Creating Business Value through Intellectual Property in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area”
(This seminar will be held at Conrad Guangzhou on 10 July 2025)
This seminar is organised by the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Development Office (GBA Development Office) of the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau, with the HKPC and the Guangzhou based Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Development Promotion Centre of the GBA Development Office as implementation agents. SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations. To provide Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises with insights on effectively utilising intellectual property (IP) rights of products of creativity to create commercial value and to explore opportunities in the GBA and global markets for sustainable business outcomes, this seminar invites participants from Hong Kong and Mainland SMEs and start-ups engaging in IP services or creative industry to explore the unlimited business opportunities in the GBA. (This seminar will be conducted in Cantonese and Putonghua.)
More Details and Registration
II. [HKTISC IP Training] Strategy for Patent Protection & Commercialisation in the Medical Sector
(This training will be live-streamed and held at UGA, InnoPort, The Chinese University of Hong Kong on 22 July 2025)
This training is organised by the HKPC. SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations. This training will delve into key strategies for securing and leveraging patents within the medical field. Participants will gain insights into the patent application process, learn how to handle potential disputes, and explore effective commercialisation techniques. The speaker will also provide attendees with practical knowledge and case studies to enhance their patent strategy and maximise the commercial potential of their innovations. (This training will be conducted in English.)
More Details and Registration
III. AI Marketing Magic: Transform Ideas into Visual Masterpieces (Online Course)
(This course will be live-streamed on 31 July 2025)
This course is offered by the HKPC. SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations. This online course will introduce new trend in AI marketing, analyse how AI can revolutionise the content creation process, demonstrate core functions of some popular AI tools, and share practical cases on how to use AI tools to improve marketing efficiency. (This course will be conducted in Cantonese.)
More Details and Registration (in Chinese only)
IV. Cyber Security Staff Awareness Recognition Scheme
This scheme is co-organised by the Hong Kong Internet Registration Corporation Limited (HKIRC) and the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) China Hong Kong Chapter, with the Digital Policy Office (DPO), the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau (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
V. "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
2025 Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area High-Value Intellectual Property Portfolio Competition is now open for application
The 2025 Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area High-Value Intellectual Property Portfolio Competition is co-organised by the Guangdong Administration for Market Regulation (Guangdong Intellectual Property Administration), the Intellectual Property Department (IPD) of the HKSARG, the Economic and Technological Development Bureau of the Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region and the People’s Government of Huizhou Municipality, with the theme of “Cultivating High-value Intellectual Property and Promoting the Joint Development of the Greater Bay Area”. The Competition is now open for application until 15 August 2025.
Official website of the Competition (in Simplified Chinese only)
Online application (in Simplified Chinese only)
T-box Workshop on “Credit Risk Management and Addressing of International Trade Fraud” (Webinar)
(This webinar will be live-streamed on 23 July 2025)
This webinar is held by the HKTDC. In this webinar, an expert from the Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation (HKECIC) will share with SMEs how to make good use of export credit insurance to reduce credit risk. The expert will also share common trade fraud examples and anti-fraud tips. (This webinar will be conducted in Cantonese)
More Details
Labour Rights under Different Employment Patterns
Employees, except for those to whom the Employment Ordinance does not apply, irrespective of their working hours and whether they are designated as “full-time”, “part-time”, “long term”, casual, temporary, substitute employees or remunerated on piece rate, are protected by the Ordinance and entitled to certain basic rights and benefits under the Ordinance such as wage payment protection, restriction on deduction from wages, taking statutory holidays and rights of participating in trade unions, etc. An employee, who is employed under a “continuous contract” and meets the qualifying conditions under the Employment Ordinance, is entitled to additional rights and benefits like rest days, pay for statutory holidays, annual leave with pay, sickness allowance and severance payment/ long service payment, etc.
For details, please refer to the following publication produced by the Labour Department:
“Labour Rights under Different Employment Patterns”
Government launches Subsidy Scheme to Extend 5G Coverage in Rural and Remote Areas
The Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) launched the Subsidy Scheme to Extend 5G Coverage in Rural and Remote Areas on 7 July 2025. Interested licensed mobile network operators (MNOs) are welcome to submit applications.
Under the Subsidy Scheme, participating MNOs will install approximately 50 new subsidised radio base stations (RBSs) in various locations in Hong Kong, including country parks, outlying islands and other rural and remote areas, to enhance mobile network coverage and capacity in these areas, thereby improving residents' quality of life and safeguarding the safety of rural activities.
"We anticipate that once the new RBSs are completed and activated, mobile network coverage of country parks in Hong Kong will increase to at least 90 per cent, while coverage along major government hiking trails will reach 98 per cent or above. The Subsidy Scheme will enhance network coverage in the surrounding areas and benefit some 70 villages located in the vicinity of the proposed RBSs, enabling residents, citizens and tourists to enjoy higher-quality mobile network services, and also facilitating the development of smart tourism," a spokesman for OFCA said.
As announced in the 2023 Policy Address, the Government would expedite the expansion of mobile network infrastructure in rural and remote areas through subsidies. To implement the initiative, the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau and OFCA, having completed the relevant technical studies and stakeholder consultations, formulated the specific arrangements for the Subsidy Scheme. The Legislative Council (LegCo) approved the relevant funding in April 2025.
OFCA, as the implementation agency of the Subsidy Scheme, will rigorously assess applications and monitor installation progress as well as the future operation of the RBSs to ensure the effective use of public funds. For details of the Subsidy Scheme, including application eligibility and procedures, technical requirements and site locations, please refer to the thematic website of the Subsidy Scheme. For enquiries, please contact OFCA at 2961 6333.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202507/07/P2025070700361.htm.
Marine fish culture licences and deep sea cages in Mirs Bay (South) new fish culture zone open for applications until 6 September 2025
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) announced on 7 July 2025 that applications for marine fish culture licences and the use of government-provided deep sea cages in the new fish culture zone at Mirs Bay (South) are open for applications from the same day until 6 September, to assist capture fishermen in switching to sustainable deep sea mariculture.
A spokesman for the AFCD said, "Unlike the small-scale operations using traditional wooden fish rafts in the past, we aim to encourage the intensification of production for fishermen in the new fish culture zones while adopting a sustainable and environmentally friendly mode of operation, together with the use of steel truss cages or other types of deep sea cages that are resilient to strong wind and water current."
To reduce the start-up cost for fishermen, the AFCD will set up two sets of steel truss deep sea cages and three sets of HDPE (high density polyethylene) deep sea cages equipped with modern aquaculture facilities in phases in the new fish culture zone at Mirs Bay (South) by the end of 2025. These deep sea cages will be provided to local fishermen associations through licence agreements to help capture fishermen meet new challenges and assist the industry in switching to sustainable development or high-value-added aquaculture practices.
Applicants shall provide a detailed business plan, including an introduction to the proposed sustainable mariculture business, as well as a demonstration of their eligibility to use government cages and compliance with the relevant environmental protection and mitigation measures.
The spokesman added that those interested in operating in the new fish culture zone may consider applying for the Sustainable Fisheries Development Fund to develop their mariculture businesses. However, the fund cannot be used to pay for the licence fees of government cages.
The AFCD has designated Wong Chuk Kok Hoi, Mirs Bay, Outer Tap Mun, and Po Toi (Southeast) as the four new fish culture zones, covering a total area equivalent to three times that of the original fish culture zones. Among these, the Wong Chuk Kok Hoi and Mirs Bay fish culture zones began accepting the first round of marine fish culture licence applications by the end of 2024.
The AFCD will hold a briefing session on 17 July to introduce the application process and licensing requirements of marine fish culture licences and the use of deep sea cages. Details of the application and the briefing session are available on the AFCD website: www.afcd.gov.hk/english/fisheries/fish_aqu/fish_aqu_mfco/newfczmfcl2025.html.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202507/07/P2025070400746.htm.
Government invites proposals for operation of pilot scheme on sports dispute resolution (deadline: 31 July 2025)
The Department of Justice (DoJ) invited on 30 June 2025 proposals from interested dispute resolution institutions and online dispute resolution institutions for the operation of a pilot scheme on sports dispute resolution for a period of two years.
As announced in the Chief Executive's 2024 Policy Address, the Government will explore establishing a sports dispute resolution system and promote sports arbitration, leveraging the institutional advantages of Hong Kong in dispute resolution. In this regard, the Government supports the industry in launching the pilot scheme in Hong Kong within 2025.
The DoJ has prepared the invitation for proposals to identify a suitable administering body and a technology provider for the pilot scheme. The appointed dispute resolution institution will administer the pilot scheme and provide institutional support for the conduct of mediation and arbitration. To promote wider use of lawtech and online dispute resolution, the administering body shall partner with an online dispute resolution institution as a technology provider to provide the technological infrastructure and support required for the operation of the pilot scheme. Interested dispute resolution institutions and online dispute resolution institutions may submit joint proposals in this exercise.
All joint proposals must be submitted along with all necessary information and supporting documents to the DoJ no later than 5pm on 31 July 2025, by e-mail (lead@doj.gov.hk) or by hand (Collection Box, G/F, Main Wing, Justice Place, 18 Lower Albert Road, Central).
Please refer to the DoJ's webpage for details.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202506/30/P2025063000573.htm.
Marine Department: New requirement for application for or revalidation of local certificates of competency fully implemented
The Marine Department (MD) announced on 30 June 2025 a new requirement for application for or revalidation of local certificates of competency (CoC), whereby a medical fitness certificate issued by a recognised medical practitioner must be submitted with immediate effect.
The Merchant Shipping (Local Vessels) (Certification and Licensing) Regulation (Cap. 548D) stipulates that all local vessel operators must hold a valid local CoC.
To enhance marine safety, the MD has revised the eligibility criteria for applying for or revalidating local CoCs by introducing a medical fitness certificate requirement to ensure that holders of local CoCs are physically fit to operate vessels. The medical fitness requirement involves two categories of persons: Category I covers all applicants for the initial issuance or revalidation of any grade of local CoCs; Category II only covers coxswains and engine operators in charge of passenger vessels (i.e. Class I vessels) and vessels carrying gases, noxious liquid substances, oil, etc (i.e. Class II vessels with designated types) (collectively referred to as "high-risk vessels").
For details about the latest requirements for application for or revalidation of local CoC, including the list of recognised medical practitioners, the medical assessment form, the examination rules for local CoCs and the relevant MD Notice, please visit the MD's website.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202506/30/P2025063000320.htm.
Marine Department launches Green Maritime Fuel Bunkering Incentive Scheme to encourage relevant development
The MD announced on 30 June 2025 the launch of the Green Maritime Fuel Bunkering Incentive Scheme to facilitate the development of Hong Kong into a high-quality green maritime fuel bunkering centre.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set an ambitious target to reach net-zero carbon emissions from international shipping by or around 2025. Under the key policy drive of the IMO, the international maritime industry is now undergoing an irreversible green transformation, and the use of low- or even zero-carbon fuels is quickly gaining popularity.
To complement and encourage the green transformation of the shipping industry, the Government promulgated the Action Plan on Green Maritime Fuel Bunkering on 15 November 2024, setting out clear targets, five green-centric strategies and 10 actions to support the development of green maritime fuel bunkering and trading in Hong Kong. One of the actions proposed in the Action Plan is to set up a Green Maritime Fuel Bunkering Incentive Scheme, which serves to encourage pioneer companies to develop green maritime fuel bunkering business in Hong Kong.
Considering that certain investments in preparatory work, including risk assessments by companies, are required before carrying out green maritime fuel bunkering, and the pioneer companies will help kick-start the industry development by paving the way and accumulating invaluable experience, incentives will be granted to these companies. Under the current tranche of the Scheme, which targets liquefied natural gas (LNG) and green methanol, an incentive of $500,000 will be granted to each pioneer company for each of its first two LNG or green methanol bunkering operations completed within one year from the MD's acceptance of its risk assessment. Pioneer companies that have already completed the relevant assessments and/or bunkering operations before the Scheme launch are also eligible to receive incentives under the Scheme. The maximum amount of incentive for each type of recognised green maritime fuel is $2,000,000, and incentives will be disbursed on a first-come, first-served basis. Details are set out in the Introduction of the Green Maritime Fuel Bunkering Incentive Scheme in the Annex.
The application form of the Scheme has been uploaded onto the MD's website. Application forms will also be provided to relevant applicant companies by the Green Maritime Fuel Team of the MD upon request. For details, please contact the Green Maritime Fuel Team of the MD via email: greenfuel@mardep.gov.hk.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202506/30/P2025063000367.htm.
Food Adulteration (Metallic Contamination) (Amendment) Regulation 2025 gazetted
The Government published in the Gazette on 27 June 2025 the Food Adulteration (Metallic Contamination) (Amendment) Regulation 2025 (Amendment Regulation) to update the food safety standards for metal content in food.
The Amendment Regulation will add 27 new maximum levels (MLs) for specified metals (including lead, cadmium and methylmercury) in specified foods (food pairs) and update nine MLs for lead in the existing relevant food pairs, bringing the total number of MLs from 144 to 171. The Amendment Regulation provides for a grace period of 18 months, during which it would be legal for any food item to comply with the requirements of the existing Food Adulteration (Metallic Contamination) Regulations (Cap. 132V) or as amended.
The Amendment Regulation was tabled before the LegCo on 2 July for negative vetting.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202506/27/P2025062600796.htm.
Protection of Critical Infrastructures (Computer Systems) Ordinance to come into effect on 1 January 2026
The Government published the Protection of Critical Infrastructures (Computer Systems) Ordinance (Commencement) Notice in the Gazette on 27 June 2025, appointing 1 January 2026, as the date on which the Protection of Critical Infrastructures (Computer Systems) Ordinance (Cap. 653) will come into operation.
The Ordinance, gazetted on 28 March 2025, aims to impose statutory obligations on designated operators of critical infrastructures to ensure they adopt appropriate measures to protect their computer systems, minimising the risk of essential services being disrupted or compromised due to cyberattacks, thereby maintaining the normal functioning of Hong Kong society and the daily lives of its people.
Pursuant to section 1(2) of the Ordinance, the Ordinance will come into operation on a date appointed by the Secretary for Security by notice published in the Gazette. The Secretary for Security now decides that the Ordinance shall come into effect on 1 January 2026.
The Government tabled the notice at the LegCo on 2 July 2025 for negative vetting.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202506/27/P2025062700238.htm.
Second policy statement on development of digital assets issued to scale Hong Kong to new heights of global digital asset leadership
The Government issued on 26 June 2025 the Policy Statement 2.0 on the Development of Digital Assets in Hong Kong, reinforcing its commitment to establishing Hong Kong as a global hub for innovation in the digital asset (DA) field. This new policy statement builds upon the foundational measures outlined in the initial policy statement released in October 2022.
The Policy Statement 2.0 sets out a vision for a trusted and innovative DA ecosystem that prioritises risk management and investor protection, while delivering concrete benefits to the real economy and financial markets. The latest statement introduces the "LEAP" framework, which focuses on:
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Legal and regulatory streamlining: The Government is establishing a comprehensive and unified regulatory framework for DA service providers, covering DA exchanges, stablecoins issuers, DA dealing service providers and DA custodian service providers. In particular, the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) will be the leading authority for the upcoming licensing regimes for DA dealing service providers and DA custodian service providers. Meanwhile, the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau (FSTB) and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority will be spearheading a comprehensive legal review to facilitate the tokenisation of real-world assets (RWAs) and financial instruments. The review will adopt a holistic approach and consider different aspects of tokenised bond issuances and transactions, including but not limited to settlement, registration and record requirements.
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Expanding the suite of tokenised products: The Government will regularise the issuance of tokenised Government bonds and incentivise the tokenisation of RWAs to enhance liquidity and accessibility through, among other initiatives, clarifying the stamp duty treatment for tokenised exchange traded funds (ETFs). With that, the Government welcomes the introduction of secondary market trading of these tokenised ETFs on licensed DA trading platforms or through other channels. The Government will also promote the tokenisation of a broader range of assets and financial instruments, demonstrating the versatility of this technology across sectors such as precious metals (e.g. gold) and non-ferrous metals, and renewable energy (e.g. solar panels).
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Advancing use cases and cross-sectoral collaboration: The implementation of the licensing regime for stablecoin issuers on 1 August will facilitate the development of real-world use cases. The Government is also fostering collaboration among regulators, law enforcement agencies and technology providers for development of DA infrastructures. To demonstrate support and to take the lead, the Government welcomes proposals from market participants on how the Government may test the usage of licensed stablecoins. Also, Cyberport will launch a funding scheme for blockchain and DA, offering funding to exemplary and high-impact applications with potential to serve as benchmark for future use cases.
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People and partnership development: The Government is strengthening talent development through partnerships with industry and academia, and is positioning Hong Kong as a centre of excellence for DA knowledge-sharing and international co-operation, including joint research initiatives and global regulatory collaboration. The Government will build a sustainable talent pool through cultivating a new generation of entrepreneurs, researchers and technologists.
The full policy statement can be seen at the Annex.
The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, said, "Digital assets hold great development potential with significance to fintech. Through the adoption of blockchain technology, more efficient financial transactions at a lower cost can be realised to bring in more inclusive financial services. The Policy Statement 2.0 sets out our vision for DA development and showcases the practical use of tokenisation through application, with a view to boosting the diversification of use cases. We strive to build a more flourishing DA ecosystem which will integrate the real economy with social life through a prudent regulatory regime and encouragement to market innovation, such that it will bring benefits to both the economy and society while consolidating Hong Kong's leading position as an international financial centre."
The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, said, "Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to bridge traditional finance with the DA era. The framework set out in the Policy Statement 2.0 helps us "LEAP" towards a trusted, sustainable and deeply integrated DA ecosystem embedded within the real economy. It also keeps Hong Kong at the forefront of digital transformation, offering a clear roadmap for businesses and investors to thrive in a secure and vibrant DA market."
The FSTB and the SFC will be conducting public consultations on the licensing regimes for DA dealing service providers and DA custodian service providers shortly.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202506/26/P2025062600269.htm.
Government welcomes passage of Trade Unions (Amendment) Bill 2025
The Government welcomed the passage of the Trade Unions (Amendment) Bill 2025 by the LegCo on 25 June 2025, which amends the Trade Unions Ordinance (Chapter 332) to better safeguard national security and improve the trade union regulatory regime.
The Bill strengthens the statutory powers of the Registrar of Trade Unions to supervise and regulate trade unions, thereby better fulfilling the duty of safeguarding national security. In tandem, the amendments give due regard to the freedom and right of Hong Kong residents to form and join trade unions and will not adversely affect the operation of law-abiding trade unions.
A Government spokesman said, "The amended Trade Unions Ordinance can ensure that trade unions uphold the principal object of safeguarding and promoting the occupational interests of their members, which will be conducive to the healthy development of trade unions."
The Trade Unions (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 was gazetted on 4 July 2025, and will come into operation on 5 January 2026. During this period, the Labour Department will step up publicity and publish reference materials to help trade unions understand and comply with the new requirements.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202506/25/P2025062500741.htm.
Hong Kong's innovation and technology sector to benefit from Mainland's expedited patent pre-examination service
The IPD announced on 25 June 2025 that, to enhance the cross-boundary facilitation measures for protecting IP between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, starting 30 June, 2025, Hong Kong's innovation and technology (I&T) sector will benefit from an expedited patent pre-examination service provided by the Shenzhen Intellectual Property Protection Center under the framework of the 16 Co-operation Measures for the Development of the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Intellectual Property and Innovation Hub (16 Co-operation Measures).
Under the enhanced measure, Hong Kong's I&T sector (including innovative entities such as enterprises, higher education institutions and research institutions) seeking patent protection on the Mainland may submit patent pre-examination requests to the Shenzhen Intellectual Property Protection Center if they meet the relevant criteria (e.g. the inventions in their applications fall within the specified industry sectors). Upon passing the pre-examination, their patent applications can enter the expedited examination channel of the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA), significantly shortening the period of examination.
For details of the measures, please refer to the IPD's website.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202506/25/P2025062500569.htm.
Occupational therapists and physiotherapists participating in primary healthcare programmes must be enlisted in Primary Care Directory and join eHealth on or before 1 September 2025
The Primary Healthcare Commission (PHC Commission) under the Health Bureau announced on 25 June 2025 that, starting from 2 July, occupational therapists (OTs) and physiotherapists (PTs) participating in government-subsidised primary healthcare programmes (including the Elderly Health Care Voucher Scheme, and the allied health services of the Chronic Disease Co-care Pilot Scheme and District Health Centres) must first be enlisted in the Primary Care Directory (PCD) and join eHealth. To allow sufficient time for the professions to complete the enrolment process, a two-month grace period until September 1 will be provided. The PHC Commission encourages OTs and PTs to register as early as possible, so that they can continue to provide relevant government-subsidised services to members of the public.
To minimise the impact on citizens enjoying the subsidised services concerned, the PHC Commission has maintained close communication with the OT and PT professions through different channels since March to introduce them to the details of the new requirements and assist them in enlisting in the PCD and/or joining eHealth. Those OTs and PTs currently participating in relevant government-subsidised programmes but who are yet to be enlisted in the PCD and join eHealth by the end of the grace period (i.e. from 2 September onwards) will no longer be able to offer those government-subsidised primary healthcare services to their patients.
Members of the public may enquire with their OTs or PTs or visit the PCD website (apps.pcdirectory.gov.hk/Public/EN) to confirm whether they are enlisted in the PCD, to ensure that they can continue receiving the relevant subsidised services from the same OT or PT after the grace period.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202506/25/P2025062500351.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.
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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