SUCCESS
E-newsletter
17 September 2025
|
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
"The Chief Executive's 2025 Policy Address" available to public on 17 September 2025
The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, released "The Chief Executive's 2025 Policy Address" on 17 September 2025.
The full text of the Policy Address is released at www.policyaddress.gov.hk.
Copies of the Policy Address and other related publications are available for public collection at the 20 Home Affairs Enquiry Centres (HAECs) of the Home Affairs Department (HAD). Please browse the HAD website (www.had.gov.hk/en/public_services/public_enquiry_services/ctec.htm) for the opening hours of the HAECs.
Leaflets containing the highlights of the Policy Address are also available at multiple locations (please see: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202509/15/P2025091500395.htm).
“Four-in-One” Seminar Series
The four SME centres co-organise "Four-in-One" seminar series regularly. Themes of this seminar series in the second half of 2025 are "Exploration of New Market", "E-Commerce" and "Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)". Upcoming events under this series are listed below. Interested persons are welcome to register at the link shown therein. Admission is Free.
I. T-box Workshop: “Unlocking New Markets: Leveraging Emerging Technologies and AI to Empower Global Trade” (Webinar)
(This event will be live-streamed on 23 September 2025)
This webinar is held by the "SME Centre" of the HKTDC. This webinar will explore how SMEs can leverage emerging technologies to access new markets, reduce financial friction and enhance growth with fund management strategies, and the key role of artificial intelligence (AI) in driving the digital and intelligent transformation of global trade, with a view to assisting SMEs in unlocking new markets. (This webinar will be conducted in Cantonese.)
More Details and Registration (in Chinese only)
II. “SME LevelUp Workshop” - Digital Biz Bootcamp Series: E-Commerce Made Easy and E-Commerce Made Easy Challenge
(Workshop (1) will be held at HKPC Building on 24 September 2025)
(Workshop (2) will be held at HKPC Building on 10 October 2025)
(Workshop (3) will be held at HKPC Building on 24 October 2025)
This series of “SME LevelUp Workshop” held by the SME One of the HKPC will have esteemed e-commerce experts sharing insider tips and strategies to help ambitious startups and SMEs thrive in the e-commerce landscape. Participants of the Challenge can also receive an additional 30-minute one-on-one consultation with e-commerce experts.
(1) “Regulatory Map: The First Step to E-commerce Success” & “Bestseller Strategy - Brand Attraction Techniques” (workshop) will explain e-commerce regulations for compliant operations, how to create top-selling products and brand visual strategies.
(2) “B2B vs B2C: Essential Operational Strategies” & “Going Global: Expanding Your E-commerce Empire” (workshop) will analyse the differences between B2B and B2C operations and explore cross-border e-commerce strategies to access global markets.
(3) “Content-Driven Traffic: Comprehensive Promotion Strategies” & “Data-Driven Growth: The New Engine for E-commerce” (workshop) will explore how to use creative content and promotions to attract target customers and how to leverage data analytics to optimise operational decisions.
This series of workshops will be conducted in Cantonese.
More Details and Registration
III. Challenges and Opportunities for E-commerce in 2026: Common Website Security Issues and Outsourced IT Risks (Seminar)
(This seminar will be held at Trade and Industry Tower on 26 September 2025)
This seminar is held by the "SUCCESS" of the TID. This seminar will share the latest trends in e-commerce security and discuss strategies to address risks arising from outsourced information technology (IT) services, which will help safeguard website security and strengthen customer trust, as well as provide insights into cybersecurity considerations when using generative AI, covering topics such as data and privacy protection as well as defense against cyberattacks. Participants will gain valuable knowledge on key strategies for expanding in the e-commerce market and implementing effective cybersecurity measures to protect both businesses and consumers. (This seminar will be conducted in Cantonese.)
More Details and Registration
IV. ESG: What's the Trend All About? — Strategies for Enhancing Brand and Business Growth (Seminar)
(This seminar will be held at Trade and Industry Tower on 30 September 2025)
This seminar is held by the "SUCCESS" of the TID. This seminar will invite an ESG expert to share practical experience in implementing sustainable practices, illustrated with real-world success stories, to assist SMEs in enhancing their brands and driving their business growth. (This seminar will be conducted in Cantonese.)
More Details and Registration
V. Funding for “New Productive Forces” Webinar Series: Funding for Green Cycle Innovation
(This webinar will be live-streamed on 30 September 2025)
This webinar series, held by the "SME ReachOut" of the HKPC, explores "New Productive Forces" to achieve business upgrading and sustainable development. This webinar will focus on "Green Cycle Innovation" and share strategies for ESG and circular innovation and green sustainability, as well as how to leverage government funding to drive a green city. (This seminar will be conducted in Cantonese.)
More Details and Registration
VI. Succeeding in Southeast Asia's New E-commerce Market in 2026: Key Trends, Regulatory Compliance, and Effective Go-To-Market Strategies for Businesses and Brands in Hong Kong (Seminar)
(This seminar will be held at Trade and Industry Tower on 28 November 2025)
This seminar is held by the "SUCCESS" of the TID. This seminar will cover key market trends in Southeast Asia for 2026, consumer behaviors, emerging opportunities, regulatory compliance, tips for navigating complex local regulations and ensuring adherence to market-specific rules, as well as explore how to utilise AI to transform e-commerce operations, reduce costs and scale businesses. Also, this seminar will highlight real-life success stories and provide practical insights to help brands expand sustainably. (This seminar will be conducted in Cantonese.)
More Details and Registration
SUCCESS-supported Activities
I. LogTech Expo 2025
(This event will be held at InnoCentre on 19 September 2025)
This event is organised by the HKPC and funded under the Logistics Promotion Funding Scheme (LPFS) of the Maritime and Aviation Training Fund launched by the Transport and Logistics Bureau. SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations. The event will showcase innovations in logistics and transportation technology and explore critical topics such as the New Productive Forces, Low Altitude Economy, ESG and sustainability, Transport and Logistics, and Smart Supply Chain Management, aiming to support the logistics industry in its upgrading and transformation towards smart and green logistics.
More Details and Registration
II. Boosting and Motiving Gen Z Employees (Online Course)
(This course will be live-streamed on 15 October 2025)
This course is offered by the HKPC. SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations. This online course will explore the tips for harnessing autonomy and trust to boost Gen Z’s intrinsic motivation in the workplace. (This course will be conducted in Cantonese.)
More Details and Registration
Intellectual Property Department: IP Training Programme “IP201 Generative AI - IP concept and Legal Considerations”
(This course will be live-streamed and held at the VTC Tower, Wan Chai on 24 October 2025)
This intellectual property (IP) course offered by the Intellectual Property Department aims to introduce the involvement of IP in the Generative AI, allowing participants to understand the relevant IP concept, the potential legal issues associated with Generative AI and how to protect IP rights in the age of AI. (The medium of instruction will be Cantonese, supplemented with English terms.)
Interested participants may first enroll in the “IP Manager Scheme PLUS” for free by filling out an online form to get priority in course registration. Registration fee for the course is waived for members of the Scheme. Participants will receive a certificate upon completion of the course.
More Details
Registration
Applications for 9th First Feature Film Initiative open until 15 December 2025
The 9th First Feature Film Initiative (FFFI) is open for applications until 15 December 2025. Production teams wishing to join the film industry are encouraged to participate.
The FFFI identifies new talent through a competition on screenplay and production proposals. The competition is divided into the Higher Education Institution Group (HEIG) and the Professional Group (PG), with each group being awarded a maximum of three prizes. The maximum sponsorship for each winning production team of the HEIG and the PG is $5 million and $8 million respectively. The Film Development Fund (FDF) provides funding for the winning teams to implement their film proposals and make their first commercial feature films. The winning teams are required to complete the whole film production and sales process, which involves planning, shooting and distribution, in order to acquire knowledge from the creation to practical application stages in making a feature film. The director of the participating team shall be a Hong Kong permanent resident aged 18 years or above, and should not have previously directed any commercial film of 80 minutes or more.
The Chairman of the Hong Kong Film Development Council, Dr Wilfred Wong, said, "The FFFI is one of the flagship funding schemes under the FDF, and has identified 32 new directors since its inception in 2013. Their works are highly regarded by film enthusiasts, and have won numerous awards in both local and international film festivals. I encourage young filmmaking talent to take part in the scheme actively, fostering the production of high-quality films and driving the continuous development of the Hong Kong film industry."
For details of the application guidelines, please visit the Hong Kong Film Development Council's website (www.fdc.gov.hk/en/fffi), the FFFI Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/HKFFFI) or Instagram page (https://www.instagram.com/ccida_fffi).
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202509/15/P2025091500291.htm.
Third round of Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus (RAISe+) Scheme opens for applications (deadline: 31 October 2025)
The Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) announced the launch of the third round of applications for the Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus (RAISe+) Scheme on 11 September 2025. The deadline for applications is 31 October 2025. Eligible universities are welcome to apply.
"The scheme was well received by the universities in the past two rounds of applications. The ITC encourages universities to continue their active participation in this round with a view to promoting the '1 to N' transformation and commercialisation of research and development outcomes through efficient collaboration among the Government, industry, academic, research and investment sectors, thereby fostering Hong Kong's high-quality development and maximising the benefits brought by innovation and technology (I&T) to the community. The Government will adjust the assessment process of this round of application solicitation exercise to encourage early industry contribution to the applications under the Scheme," a spokesman for the Commission said.
With a funding allocation of $10 billion, the RAISe+ Scheme was launched in 2023 and aims to fund at least 100 research teams from universities funded by the University Grants Committee that have good potential to become successful start-ups on a matching basis to transform and commercialise their research and development outcomes. Funding support from $10 million to $100 million will be provided to each approved project. Assessment criteria include the I&T component of the project, commercial viability of project outcomes, technical and management capability of the team, relevance of the project to government policies or the overall interest of the community, and financial considerations of the project.
A total of 49 projects were supported by the RAISe+ Scheme in the first two batches, covering I&T fields in health and medical sciences, new materials and new energy, artificial intelligence and robotics, electrical and electronic engineering, engineering, advanced manufacturing, Chinese medicine, environmental, agricultural and marine biotechnology, and computer science/information technology, with the total funding amounting to over $2 billion.
Details of the scheme are available on its dedicated website (www.itf.gov.hk/en/raiseplus). For enquiries, please contact the Secretariat of the Scheme (Tel: 3543 5904; email: raiseplus@itc.gov.hk).
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202509/11/P2025091100655.htm.
Handle unlicensed vehicles properly in timely manner to avoid prosecutions following new vehicle licensing regulation taking effect on 22 December 2025
The Transport Department (TD) said on 9 September 2025 that the new vehicle registration and licensing regime will take effect on 22 December to strengthen regulations on prolonged unlicensed vehicles. Under the new regime, unlicensed vehicles will remain registered under the name of owners, who will continue to be held responsible for their vehicles. A new offence will also be introduced to heighten deterrence against improper abandoning of vehicles for addressing the problem at the source.
A spokesman for the TD said, "Starting from 22 December, we will issue a notice to registered owners of vehicles unlicensed for two years or more. Vehicle owners must, within three months of the date of notice, renew the licence, or cancel the registration of such vehicles with the TD after scrapping them or permanently shipping them out of Hong Kong. They should handle their vehicles properly and in a timely manner to avoid contravening the law."
Failing to take action upon expiry of the three-month notice period will constitute an offence. The maximum penalty for the first conviction will be a fine of $10,000 and imprisonment for three months. For each subsequent conviction, the maximum penalty will be a $25,000 fine and six months' imprisonment. Unless the fine is paid, the TD may, subject to the court's order, (1) refuse to issue or renew the driving licence of a convicted vehicle owner; (2) take no action on any application for transfer of ownership of the subject vehicle; and (3) refuse to issue a vehicle licence to the subject vehicle or any other vehicles under the convicted owner's name.
Individual vehicle owners who have a genuine difficulty in taking the required actions within the three-month notice period or have reasonable grounds for not licensing their vehicles may apply for an exemption from the TD. In general, exemptions may be granted under the following three scenarios: (1) vehicles pending spare parts for maintenance and examination before licence renewal; (2) vehicles manufactured for 30 years or more, properly stored as a private collection and not used on roads; or (3) vehicles properly stored by a car dealer and consigned for sale. Vehicle owners may provide other reasonable grounds for the TD's consideration of granting an exemption based on individual cases. The eligibility criteria and guidelines for exemption will be announced later.
The spokesman reminded vehicle owners that, even when a vehicle remains unlicensed or is granted an exemption, it will remain registered under their name and they have to continue to bear all legal liabilities associated with it. Since December 2024 the TD has started issuing SMS messages or emails to registered owners whose vehicle licences will expire in one month, have just expired or have expired for two years via the e-contact means they provided in their licensing applications, to remind them that they must renew their vehicle licence or properly handle their vehicles in time.
The TD has also stepped up publicity and public education to remind vehicle owners to take action early for vehicles unlicensed for two years or more. Vehicle owners may make use of the e-Licensing Portal to check the vehicle licence expiry date, handle licensing matters and take proper action on their unlicensed vehicles. Members of the public may refer to the TD's website for details, or call the hotline at 2804 2600 for enquiries.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202509/09/P2025090400353.htm.
HKMA launches public consultation on Phase 2A prototype of Hong Kong Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) launched a public consultation on 8 September 2025 on Phase 2A prototype of the Hong Kong Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance (Hong Kong Taxonomy).
The Hong Kong Taxonomy is an important market enabling tool for promoting informed decision-making in green and sustainable finance. By providing clear, transparent, and robust definitions of what constitutes green and sustainable activities, the taxonomy aims to scale up relevant capital flows while addressing greenwashing concerns.
Building on the publication of Phase 1 of the Hong Kong Taxonomy in May 2024, the HKMA has adopted a phased approach to further enhance the taxonomy, starting with Phase 2A, and progressing through subsequent phases.
The Phase 2A prototype introduces several enhancements aimed at supporting Hong Kong's decarbonisation efforts, facilitating the region's transition to a low-carbon economy, and reinforcing Hong Kong's position as an international financial centre and a leading green finance hub. The prototype development has been guided by market feedback, government policies, industry needs, and the latest technological advancements.
The key enhancements made in the Phase 2A prototype include:
1. Expanded sector coverage: Two new sectors critical to the decarbonisation of the region and beyond, namely manufacturing and information and communications technology, have been added to the four sectors under Phase 1, increasing the total number of sectors from four to six;
2. Increase in economic activities: 13 new economic activities have been added, bringing the total number of economic activities from 12 to 25. Updates have also been made to the technical screening criteria of a number of activities introduced under Phase 1;
3. Transition elements: Transition elements, including interim decarbonisation targets, measures to support transition and sunset dates (which specify the time by which transition elements will conclude), have been added; and
4. New environmental objective: A new environmental objective, namely climate change adaptation, have been introduced to address the growing funding needs for managing physical risks and responding to the increasing frequency of extreme weather events.
The public consultation commenced on 8 September and will last until 8 October 2025. The consultation paper is available on the HKMA website. Interested parties are invited to submit their comments on or before the deadline.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202509/08/P2025090500617.htm.
Food Adulteration (Metallic Contamination) (Amendment) Regulation 2025 commences
The Food Adulteration (Metallic Contamination) (Amendment) Regulation 2025 (the Amendment Regulation) came into effect on 5 September 2025 updating the safety standards for metal content in food. The amendments aim to enhance consumer protection, facilitate the food trade, and keep local food safety standards on par with international standards.
A Government spokesman said that the Amendment Regulation has taken into account factors such as the metallic contamination standards of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, relevant standards adopted by major sources of food import, local food consumption patterns and dietary practices, and risk assessment results. It adds 27 new maximum levels (MLs) of specified metals (including lead, cadmium and methylmercury) in specified foods (food pairs), and updates nine MLs of lead in the existing relevant food pairs. As a result, the total number of MLs stipulated in the Amendment Regulation has increased from 144 to 171.
To allow the trade sufficient time to adapt to the updated MLs and food safety standards, the Amendment Regulation provides a grace period of 18 months. During the said period, any food product would be deemed compliant as long as it complies wholly with the pre-amendment or revised requirements under the Food Adulteration (Metallic Contamination) Regulations (Cap. 132V). Upon the lapse of the grace period on 5 March 2027, all food must fully comply with the requirements of the Amendment Regulation.
The Centre for Food Safety of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department has issued updated user guidelines to facilitate the trade's compliance. For details of the Amendment Regulation, please refer to the webpage (www.cfs.gov.hk/english/whatsnew/whatsnew_fstr/whatsnew_fstr_PA_Food_Adulteration_Metallic_Contamination_2.html).
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202509/05/P2025090500278.htm.
Banking (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 to commence operation on 3 November 2025
The Government published in the Gazette on 5 September 2025 the Banking (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 (Commencement) Notice to appoint 3 November 2025 as the commencement date for the Banking (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 (23 of 2025) (the Ordinance) to come into operation.
The Ordinance was gazetted on 13 June 2025. The Ordinance introduces a voluntary mechanism for banks and relevant law enforcement agencies to share with each other, swiftly and safely via electronic means, information of corporate and individual accounts through secure platforms designated by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, when banks become aware of suspected prohibited conduct (i.e. money laundering, terrorist financing or financing of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction). The Ordinance also provides legal protection for banks that disclose relevant information. The mechanism will enable banks and relevant law enforcement agencies to act swiftly to intercept illicit funds and expedite intelligence gathering.
A Government spokesperson said, "The commencement of the Ordinance will enable timely implementation of the new mechanism. This important measure will provide better protection to the general public of Hong Kong from fraud and associated money laundering activities."
The Notice was tabled before the Legislative Council (LegCo) on 10 September 2025 for negative vetting.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202509/05/P2025090500211.htm.
Merchant Shipping (Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships) Regulation gazetted
The Merchant Shipping (Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships) Regulation made under the Merchant Shipping (Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships) Ordinance was published in the Gazette on 5 September 2025.
To give effect to the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, 2009 (HKC), which was adopted in Hong Kong, China on 15 May 2009, at the Diplomatic Conference of the International Maritime Organization to ensure that ship recycling does not pose any unnecessary risk to human health, safety or the environment, the Ordinance was passed by the LegCo on 22 May 2025, providing for the general empowering provisions that are necessary for the implementation of the HKC.
The proposed Regulation sets out the detailed requirements of the HKC. It provides for the safety standards relating to hazardous materials and ship recycling, worker protection and training requirements, and environmental protection measures for ships and ship recycling facilities in Hong Kong, with a view to addressing specific risks and concerns associated with the ship recycling operations.
A spokesman for the Transport and Logistics Bureau said, "The Regulation is for giving effect to the HKC. We aim to ensure that Hong Kong-registered ships and ship recycling facilities comply with the HKC requirements, thereby promoting sustainable development for ships at the end of their operating life and protecting workers and the environment in the context of ship recycling. We believe that both the shipping industry and the public will welcome the enactment of the Regulation."
The Panel on Economic Development of the LegCo and the Hong Kong Fleet Operation Advisory Committee have been consulted. Members supported the proposal.
The proposed Regulation was tabled at the LegCo on 10 September 2025 for negative vetting.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202509/05/P2025090400402.htm.
Legislative amendments for mandating fitting and wearing of seat belts and regulating use of mobile telecommunications devices while driving gazetted
The Government published in the Gazette on 5 September 2025 the Road Traffic (Construction and Maintenance of Vehicles) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulation 2025, the Road Traffic (Safety Equipment) (Amendment) Regulation 2025 and the Road Traffic (Traffic Control) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulation 2025 (Amendment Regulations), with a view to further enhancing road safety.
The Amendment Regulations cover two arrangements, including:
1. extending the mandatory fitting and wearing of seat belts to all newly registered public transport vehicles and commercial vehicles (including buses, private light buses, goods vehicles and special purpose vehicles) and their seats. Where seats are equipped with seat belts, passengers must wear them; furthermore, all student service vehicles (including existing and newly registered vehicles) will be required to be fitted with seat belts and safer seats to enhance the protection for young students; and
2. strengthening the regulations for drivers' use of mobile telecommunications devices (including mobile phones, tablets and laptops) while driving. Restrictions will be imposed on the number of devices (no more than two), screen size (each screen's diagonal length not exceeding 19 centimetres) and placement of the device (not obstructing the driver's view of the road and traffic conditions and not interfering with the line of sight to mirrors, devices or camera displays used for observing road conditions), thereby enhancing driver safety.
A spokesperson for the Transport and Logistics Bureau said, "The two amendments aim to enhance the safety of passengers travelling on public transport and commercial vehicles, as well as the safety of using mobile telecommunications devices while driving. In formulating the Amendment Regulations, the Government has struck an appropriate balance among road safety, the operational needs of the transport trades and technological developments."
The Government has considered the views put forward by various stakeholders, including the LegCo Panel on Transport, the Transport Advisory Committee and representatives of the transport trades. Details of the regulatory regime and commencement dates are specified in the respective Amendment Regulations, with relevant information featured in the LegCo Brief issued by the Government on 4 September 2025.
The Amendment Regulations were tabled before the LegCo on 10 September 2025 for the negative vetting procedure.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202509/05/P2025090400496.htm.
Hong Kong and Jordan enter into tax pact
The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, had a bilateral meeting with the Ambassador of Jordan to China, Mr Hussam Al Husseini, in Beijing on 4 September 2025 and signed on behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government a comprehensive avoidance of double taxation agreement (CDTA) with the Government of Jordan. Mr Hui said that the signing of the CDTA demonstrated Hong Kong's continuous efforts in deepening co-operation with Belt and Road countries, and is an excellent starting point to enhance the financial, economic and trade connections between Hong Kong and Jordan.
At the bilateral meeting, Mr Hui presented to Mr Hussam Al Husseini the advantages and latest developments of Hong Kong's financial market, including the efforts made to promote the continuous vibrant development of the financial market and establish Hong Kong as an international gold trading centre.
Mr Hui said, "Jordan is a participant in the Belt and Road Initiative. The CDTA signifies the determination of the HKSAR Government in expanding Hong Kong's CDTA network and its enhanced collaboration with tax jurisdictions participating in the Belt and Road Initiative.
"The CDTA sets out the allocation of taxing rights between Hong Kong and Jordan, which will help investors better assess their potential tax liabilities from cross-border economic activities. I have every confidence that it will be an excellent starting point to enhance the financial, economic and trade connections between the two places. This CDTA is the 53rd one that Hong Kong has concluded. We will continue to expand Hong Kong's CDTA network to enhance the city's attractiveness as a business and investment hub, and consolidate Hong Kong's status as an international economic and trade centre."
In accordance with the newly signed CDTA, Hong Kong residents can avoid double taxation in that any tax paid in Jordan will be allowed as a credit against the tax payable in Hong Kong in respect of the same income, subject to the provisions of the Inland Revenue Ordinance (Cap. 112).
Moreover, Jordan's withholding tax rates for Hong Kong residents on dividends, interest and royalties, currently at up to 10 per cent, will be capped at 5 per cent.
The Hong Kong-Jordan CDTA will come into force after completion of ratification procedures by both sides. In Hong Kong, the Chief Executive in Council will make an order under the Inland Revenue Ordinance, which will be tabled at the LegCo for negative vetting. Details of the CDTA are available on the Inland Revenue Department's website.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202509/04/P2025090400605.htm.
Road Traffic (Amendment) (Ride-hailing Service) Bill 2025 gazetted
The Government gazetted the Road Traffic (Amendment) (Ride-hailing Service) Bill 2025 on 5 September 2025, with an aim of introducing a regulatory regime for ride-hailing services to safeguard the public's travel safety.
A spokesperson for the Transport and Logistics Bureau said on 4 September 2025, "The current-term Government is determined to reform personalised point-to-point transport services. In addition to actively introducing various measures to enhance taxi services over the past few years, the Government proposes to introduce a clear legislative framework to regulate ride-hailing services, demonstrating our resolution to address the long-standing controversy."
"In devising the regulatory framework, the Government has prioritised public safety and interests, and listened carefully to the views of various stakeholders with a view to achieving the objective of 'people-oriented and safe travel'. Our aim is to provide the public with more safe, legally compliant and diverse travel options, while ensuring the healthy and orderly development of the overall point-to-point transport service industry and creating a healthy competitive environment. This will help bring new vitality to the industry and achieve a win-win outcome for all parties. Moreover, the Government also proposes introducing new measures to combat illegal activities of carrying passengers for hire or reward," the spokesperson added.
Under the proposed regulatory regime, platforms, vehicles and drivers providing ride-hailing services must obtain appropriate licences/permits and meet the licence/permit conditions imposed by the Transport Department. The Government will set entry thresholds (including being a company registered in Hong Kong, operational experience, proof of financial capacity, capital investment, and directors' qualifications) for platforms applying for operation. Platforms must also maintain appropriate and efficient services and conduct due diligence on their vehicles and drivers. Regarding ride-hailing vehicles, the Government proposes that vehicles must be registered in the name of an individual and can only be operated by their registered owners. Also, ride-hailing vehicles must hold appropriate third-party risk insurance and display identification markings as required for identification purposes. For ride-hailing vehicle drivers, the Government proposes that applicants must meet a series of conditions and complete a specified test. These conditions include being at least 21 years of age, holding a Hong Kong permanent identity card, and having no serious traffic conviction records within the five years preceding the application date.
The spokesperson said, "In July this year (2025), the Government consulted the Legislative Council Panel on Transport on the legislative proposals for the regulatory framework. Members unanimously supported the Government's proposal to regulate platforms, vehicles and drivers providing ride-hailing services. They also endorsed the Government's approach to first introduce amendments to the principal legislation into the LegCo to establish matters of principle and handle other technical details in the next stage through subsidiary legislation or licence/permit conditions, with a view to expediting the regulation of ride-hailing services and meeting public expectations.
"We would like to thank the LegCo Members for their support for the Government to take forward the legislative work on regulating ride-hailing services at full speed. We will actively co-operate with the LegCo in its scrutiny work and strive to have the Bill passed before the end of the current-term LegCo," the spokesperson added.
The Government introduced the Bill into the LegCo on 10 September 2025 for first and second readings.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202509/04/P2025090400692.htm.
Import quota of hydrofluorocarbons for 2025-2026 open for applications
The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) announced on 3 September 2025 that the import quota for 18 regulated hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)(see annex) for local consumption, applicable to the 2025-2026 period under the newly amended Ozone Layer Protection Ordinance (Cap. 403), is now open for applications.
The Government completed the amendments to the Ozone Layer Protection Ordinance in April this year to implement the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, which was adopted by the United Nations to strengthen the regulation of HFCs and establish corresponding phasedown targets and schedule, with a view to working together with the international community in addressing climate change.
An EPD spokesman said, "Hong Kong will adopt the HFCs import quota system from 1 December this year (2025) to gradually tighten the quota with the ultimate goal of reducing the consumption of HFCs by 85 per cent from the baseline level by 2036."
The spokesman stated that the total import quota is set at 60 per cent of the baseline consumption level for HFCs (i.e. 1 093 kilotonnes of CO2 equivalent) between 1 December 2025, and 31 December 2026. Any person intending to import regulated HFCs for local consumption must hold a valid import quota and apply for an import licence for each consignment.
Applicants can download the application form and submit the completed form along with the necessary supporting documents via the online system (olpo.epd.gov.hk/olposystem), or submit a hard copy by post or in person to Section 10, the Air Science and Modelling Group, Environmental Protection Department, 12/F, North Tower, Tseung Kwan O Government Offices, 30 Tong Yin Street, Tseung Kwan O, New Territories, by 5pm, 17 October 2025. Late applications will not be accepted.
For more details about the import quota application, please visit the EPD's online system. Enquiries can also be made by telephoning 3153 2384 or via email at olpoenq@epd.gov.hk.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202509/03/P2025082700686.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 September 2025 is as follows:
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
|
