“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 links 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 2 October 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 10 October 2025)
(Workshop (2) will be held at HKPC Building on 24 October 2025)
(Workshop (3) will be held at HKPC Building on 7 November 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) “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.

(2) “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.

(3) “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.

This series of workshops will be conducted in Cantonese.

More Details and Registration
 

III.  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. 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

II. "SME ReachOut" FUND Fair plus Tech Sourcing 2025

(This event will be held at the HKPC Building from 16 to 17 October 2025)

This event is co-organised by the HKPC and the TID. SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations. This event will be a 2-day event, with a view to providing SMEs with the information on Government funding schemes and assisting SMEs in capacity building through showcasing technology solutions to the participants. Themes for this year are “Grab Fund”, “Go Global”, “Go Green”, “Go AI & Digital” and “eCommerce Live and RetailTech”. The event will also introduce a new element of “Intellectual Property (IP) Branding”. (This event will be conducted in Cantonese.) 

More Details and Registration

III. [HKTISC IP Training] The Importance of Patents in Developing Greater Bay Area Business (Webinar)

(This webinar will be live-streamed on 21 October 2025)

This webinar is organised by the HKPC. SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations. This webinar will cover various aspects of intellectual property (IP) rights, explain the patent system in the Mainland, and discuss patent protection. The speaker will share practical knowledge and case studies to help attendees enhance their patent strategies and unlock the commercial potential of their innovations in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area market. (This webinar will be conducted in Putonghua.)

More Details and Registration
 

IV. Webinar on Competition Ordinance

(This course will be live-streamed on 22 October 2025)

This webinar is organised by the Competition Commission. SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations. In this webinar, representatives from the Competition Commission will provide an overview of the Competition Ordinance, dos and don’ts under the Ordinance, red flags of anti-competitive practices and Leniency and Cooperation Policies, as well as competition law case studies. (This webinar will be conducted in Cantonese.) 

More Details and Registration
 

GS1 Hong Kong: Workshop on the European Union (EU)’s Digital Product Passport (DPP)

With the entry into force of the EU’s Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) in July 2024, the EU is working on the relevant subsidiary legislations and preparing for the gradual implementation of the DPP requirements therein starting 2027.
 
To help businesses navigate these upcoming changes, GS1 Hong Kong will hold a workshop in the afternoon of 27 October 2025 at InnoCentre.  The workshop will feature keynote presentations on the DPP framework, rules, standards and case studies, as well as a panel discussion with industry stakeholders addressing challenges and opportunities presented by the DPP implementation and sharing actionable insights.
 
For more details and registration, please visit
https://www.gs1hk.org/events/DPP-workshop_From_Compliance_to_Competitive_Edge
(This workshop will be conducted in English with simultaneous Chinese transcript.)

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 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 and Registration

Meeting the “BRANDers” – Mr Sherman Wong, Director of Original Taste Workshop Limited, a local Chinese-style soup brand

To encourage and assist Hong Kong enterprises in developing their own brands and promoting their brands in the Mainland and overseas markets, the TID conducts interviews with representatives of local brands and experts so as to share their success stories and business strategies with the industries. The TID has earlier on interviewed Mr Sherman Wong, Director of Original Taste Workshop Limited, for sharing experience in starting up and developing business, and the key success factors for brand development.

More Details (in Chinese only)
 

EPD announces extension of application period for Ex-gratia Payment Scheme for Phasing Out Euro IV Diesel Commercial Vehicles

The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) announced on 29 September 2025 a one-year extension to the application deadlines for the Ex-gratia Payment Scheme for Phasing Out Euro IV Diesel Commercial Vehicles for Euro IV diesel commercial vehicles first registered in 2010 and 2011.
 
Under the extension arrangement, the ex-gratia payment application deadline for Euro IV DCVs first registered in 2010 will be extended to 31 December 2026; and that for Euro IV DCVs first registered in 2011 to 31 December 2027.
 
The EPD spokesman reminds the owners of Euro IV DCVs first registered in 2010 and 2011 that approval of the ex-gratia payment is still subject to the applicants meeting all other prevailing eligibility criteria and completing all necessary procedures under the ex-gratia payment scheme, and submitting the applications for the ex-gratia payment on or before the new deadlines that apply.
 
Moreover, in accordance with the Air Pollution Control (Air Pollutant Emission)(Controlled Vehicles) Regulation (Cap. 311X), the Government will stop issuing/renewing vehicle licences to Euro IV DCVs first registered in 2010 and 2011 after 31 December 2025, and 31 December 2026, respectively. The vehicle owners concerned who need to apply for vehicle licence renewal after the deadlines shall apply to the EPD for exemption under Section 6 of the Regulation for extending the retirement deadlines.
 
For details of the ex-gratia payment scheme and the above special arrangement, please refer to the EPD's website (www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/environmentinhk/air/prob_solutions/Phasing_out_euro_iv_comm_veh.html) or contact the EPD by calling 2651 1100 or by email to EU4dcv@epd.gov.hk.
 
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202509/29/P2025092500496.htm.
 

New grading standards under Mandatory Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme taken full effect

The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department announced on 26 September 2025 the full implementation of the new energy efficiency grading standards for refrigerating appliances, washing machines and storage type electric water heaters under the Mandatory Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme (MEELS) on 30 September 2025. The new standards aim to encourage suppliers to introduce more energy-efficient models and help consumers select such products.
 
Starting from 30 September 2025, refrigerating appliances, washing machines and storage type electric water heaters must bear energy labels in compliance with the new energy efficiency grading standards before they are supplied to the local market. The reference number of the new energy label will carry the prefix "U3".
 
The implementation of the new energy efficiency grading standards is expected to bring an additional energy saving of about 270 million kilowatt-hours per year, which is equivalent to an annual reduction of carbon emissions by about 189 000 tonnes.
 
The Code of Practice on Energy Labelling of Products was revised last year with the energy efficiency grading standards for the aforementioned three products raised by about 30 per cent. The 15-month transitional period ended on 29 September 2025. For further information about MEELS and the new energy efficiency grading standards, please visit the thematic website of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (www.emsd.gov.hk/energylabel/en/home.html).
 
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202509/26/P2025092500909.htm.

United Nations Sanctions (South Sudan) Regulation 2019 (Amendment) Regulation 2025 gazette

The Government gazette on 26 September 2025 the United Nations Sanctions (South Sudan) Regulation 2019 (Amendment) Regulation 2025 (Amendment Regulation), which came into operation on the same day.

"The Amendment Regulation amends the United Nations Sanctions (South Sudan) Regulation 2019 to give effect to certain decisions relating to sanctions in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2781 in respect of South Sudan," a Government spokesman said.
 
The amendments renew the arms embargo, travel ban and financial sanctions.
 
The HKSARG has all along been implementing fully the sanctions imposed by the UNSC. The Amendment Regulation aims to give effect to the instructions by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for fulfilling the international obligations of the People's Republic of China as a Member State of the United Nations.
 
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202509/26/P2025092600323.htm.
 

2025 Maker in China SME Innovation and Entrepreneurship Global Contest - Hong Kong Chapter successfully held

The Maker in China SME Innovation and Entrepreneurship Global Contest - Hong Kong Chapter (MiCHK) 2025 Final was held successfully at Cyberport 25 September 2025. "Apeiron" by Aither Entertainment Limited won the Champion prize, while "Savoir by EasyHear" by Logital Co. Limited and "AI powered Encapsulation and Microfluidic Platforms for Diverse Cell-based Applications" by Rain Biotech Solutions Limited won the First Runner-up and Second Runner-up prizes respectively. The three winning teams will represent the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to compete in the Global Final Contest of the Maker in China to be held in the fourth quarter of this year in Guangzhou.

Addressing the event, the Commissioner for Digital Policy, Mr Tony Wong, said that to align with the country's innovation and technology (I&T) development strategy, the HKSARG has been committed to nurturing local I&T start-ups to strengthen the I&T capabilities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). The MiCHK serves as an excellent platform for Hong Kong start-ups and and SMEs to expand their business and enter the Mainland market. In recent years, many award-winning teams from Hong Kong have successfully connected with multiple Mainland enterprises through the MiCHK, establishing a presence on the Mainland and setting up branch offices and sales networks in various GBA cities, as well as in Hangzhou, Xi'an and Beijing. Furthermore, many teams have attracted the attention of enterprises and investors from the Mainland, receiving procurement contracts or reaching strategic collaboration agreements. This has enabled their I&T products and solutions to be successfully implemented in various provinces and cities on the Mainland.

Mr Wong pointed out that this year's contest has particularly included frontier technological fields such as low-altitude economy and aerospace, intelligent devices and robotics, as well as semiconductors and integrated circuits, in order to support the development of emerging and future industries. He congratulated the winning teams and encouraged all participants to continue striving for excellence in the innovation and entrepreneurship arena, injecting new momentum into the country's high-quality development through their innovative achievements.

The MiCHK 2025 has received overwhelming responses, reaching a record high of 157 local innovation projects. After initial screening and a semi-final held earlier, the top 10 finalists entered the Final today, where they competed for the Champion, First Runner-up and Second Runner-up honours by staging roadshows to a panel of judges comprising local and Mainland experts of different I&T fields. In addition, one-on-one business matching sessions between the top 10 finalists and investors and enterprises from the GBA were arranged today. The top 10 finalists were given opportunities to join different incubation and acceleration programmes and exhibitions to promote their products and services to different regions through various platforms, connect with Mainland investors, set up in the Mainland entrepreneurial parks and receive guidance on result transformation. Please refer to makerinchina.hk/ for details about the entries.

With the support of the Guangzhou Municipal Industry and Information Technology Bureau, the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the People's Government of Guangzhou Municipality and the People's Government of Guangzhou Nansha District, this is the seventh time the regional chapter has taken place in Hong Kong. The MiCHK 2025 is organised by the Digital Policy Office of the HKSARG, the China Centre for Promotion of SME Development of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People's Republic of China, the Department of Youth Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, and the China International Cooperation Association of SMEs, and is formulated by the Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited and the Angel Investment Foundation.
 
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202509/25/P2025092500587.htm.
 

SFST welcomes signing of MOU among HKEX and several carbon exchanges in Greater Bay Area

The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, welcomed on 23 September 2025 the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) among the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX), Guangzhou Emissions Exchange, Shenzhen Green Exchange and Macao International Carbon Emission Exchange to further promote knowledge exchange and sharing, and strengthen collaboration in the development of carbon markets and the green finance ecosystem in the GBA.

Mr Hui said, "We attach great importance to carbon markets in the GBA and actively promote co-operation with them. As the first quadripartite agreement among the carbon exchanges within the GBA, this MOU marks new heights in the orderly and healthy collaborative development of the GBA's carbon markets. The Chief Executive's 2025 Policy Address proposed deepening pilot co-operation with the GBA carbon market, jointly building a regional carbon market ecosystem. The signing of the MOU among the HKEX and several GBA carbon exchanges fully demonstrates the determination of the Government and the HKEX in the continuous active promotion of co-operation and joint development with Mainland carbon markets through various means, consolidating Hong Kong's position as a leading sustainable finance centre in the region."

Core Climate, the HKEX's international carbon trading platform, is the only voluntary carbon credit trading platform in the world offering settlement in Hong Kong dollars and Renminbi. In addition to deepening co-operation with the GBA carbon market, the Chief Executive's 2025 Policy Address also announced that the Government will work with relevant Mainland regulatory departments and authorities to study issues surrounding the country's participation in the international carbon market. The Government and the HKEX will continue to work closely with relevant stakeholders to jointly enhance the carbon market ecosystem.
 
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202509/23/P2025092300422.htm.
 

SFST welcomes LME's approval of three additional approved warehouses

The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, welcomed on 22 September 2025 the approval by the London Metal Exchange (LME), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX), of the applications to designate three warehouses in Yuen Long as approved warehouses. This decision demonstrates the strong industry support for the policy direction to promote commodity trading as announced in "The Chief Executive's 2025 Policy Address", further enhancing Hong Kong's commodity trading ecosystem and consolidating its status as an international financial, shipping and trading centre.

Mr Hui said, "The Chief Executive raised in his 2025 Policy Address to continuously develop Hong Kong's commodity trading ecosystem, including support for the sector in setting up more approved warehouses. Relevant government bureaux and departments have been maintaining close communication with industry stakeholders and providing appropriate assistance on technical matters. The expansion of the LME's storage facilities in Hong Kong is a positive response to the policy direction set out in the Policy Address. In less than nine months since Hong Kong's inclusion in the LME's global warehousing network, the total number of LME-approved warehouses has now increased to 11, including the eight previously approved. This strengthens Hong Kong's advantage in infrastructure and reinforces our position as a key LME delivery hub in Asia. The three new warehouses are ready for immediate operation, providing efficient delivery options to market participants in international metal trading, while also driving the development of Hong Kong's shipping and related services."

He added, "The Policy Address also proposed other measures to develop commodity trading, including the establishment of the Strategic Committee on Commodities led by the Financial Secretary; deepening of the HKEX's connections with the Guangzhou Futures Exchange and other commodity markets on the Mainland; and the Government's plan to amend legislation in the first half of next year to provide half-rate tax concessions for commodity traders to set up businesses in Hong Kong. These initiatives aim to co-ordinate efforts in both hardware and software in order to lay an overall framework for long-term development. The Government will actively collaborate with the trade to expedite the implementation of these measures."

The LME included Hong Kong as an approved delivery point within its global warehousing network in January 2025, and began accepting applications from warehouse operators to become approved warehouses of LME-registered brands of metals.

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202509/22/P2025092200492.htm. 
 

AFCD and PolyU sign MOU to advance sustainable development of Hong Kong's agriculture and fisheries through technological innovation

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 22 September 2025 to explore collaborative opportunities in the development and application areas of technological innovation for agriculture and fisheries, with both parties working together to promote the sustainable development of the local agriculture and fisheries industries, injecting new impetus into the industries.

Witnessed by the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Mr Mickey Lai, and the Deputy President and Provost of PolyU, Professor Wong Wing-tak, the MOU was signed by the Deputy Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Mr Patrick Lai, and the Director of the Research Institute for Future Food of PolyU, Professor Wong Ka-hing.

The MOU establishes a framework for collaboration between the AFCD and PolyU over the next five years to jointly advance innovative development initiatives for the agriculture and fisheries industries, enhancing the quantity, quality, and value of local agricultural and fisheries products. This includes stepping up efforts to develop local characteristics of processed agricultural and fisheries products and precise agriculture solutions, thereby improving the industries' overall efficiency and resilience to environmental changes.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Mickey Lai expressed his anticipation for this collaboration to enhance the quality and innovation of local agricultural and fisheries products, promoting an efficient and sustainable development in the agriculture and fisheries sectors. Technology will truly become the core driver for high-quality development of Hong Kong's agriculture and fisheries industries, injecting new momentum into local agriculture and fisheries industries and promoting a healthy and sustainable food culture.

Professor Wong Wing-tak said in his speech that PolyU has been committed to innovation in food science over the years, transforming research outcomes into practical applications. This collaboration will lay a solid foundation for the long-term sustainable development of local agriculture and fisheries industries. With cutting-edge technologies empowerment as the core, the development and application of relevant technologies will help the agriculture and fisheries sectors enhance competitiveness and address various challenges.

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202509/22/P2025092200269.htm.

Tobacco Control Legislation (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 gazetted

The Government gazetted on 19 September 2025 the Tobacco Control Legislation (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 to implement the new phase of tobacco control measures formulated by the Health Bureau (HHB).

The primary focus of the new phase of tobacco control measures is to combat illicit cigarettes and prevent the new generation from smoking. The following measures have come into immediate effect:

• Raise the maximum penalty for relevant offences relating to duty-not-paid tobacco from a $1 million fine and two-year imprisonment to a $2 million fine and seven-year imprisonment;
• List the relevant offences under the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance to enable the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) to freeze assets associated with illicit tobacco activities;
• Increase the penalty for offences of failing to declare to Customs Officers compoundable under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance from $2,000 to $5,000;
• Require that cigarettes sold at a price lower than the tobacco duty be proved to be duty-paid; and
• Prohibit the provision of alternative smoking products and conventional smoking products to persons aged below 18. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and six months' imprisonment, and a fine of $25,000 (liable to a fixed penalty of $3,000 if the conventional smoking products concerned are below the specified quantity) respectively upon conviction.

For combating illicit cigarettes, the C&ED will continue to adopt a multi-pronged approach and take stringent enforcement actions on all fronts to combat the sale of illicit cigarettes. The C&ED is making preparations at full steam for the implementation of the duty stamp system, which enables frontline officers, the industry, as well as the general public to more effectively distinguish between duty-paid and duty-not-paid cigarettes and combats "cheap-whites" on the market. A pilot scheme, expected to be rolled out in early October, will enable the C&ED to inspect the entire process from the production of cigarettes, their storage in bonded warehouses to their rollout on the market after duty payment. The first phase of the duty stamp system will be launched in the fourth quarter of 2026, with full implementation targeted for the second quarter of 2027.

The C&ED has strengthened publicity for arriving passengers at sea, land and air control points. These measures include displaying new large-sized posters and presenting information on monthly statistics on the number of cases involving seizure of excessive tobacco and relevant penalties, aiming to remind passengers of the duty-free concession limit on cigarettes that they can bring into Hong Kong and the new penalties for offences related to illicit cigarettes. In addition, the C&ED, together with District Council members, has recently conducted inter-departmental anti-illicit cigarette publicity activities across various districts in Hong Kong, and will conduct publicity on television, radio, newspapers, and social media to raise citizens' law-abiding awareness.

Moreover, the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the Department of Health will formulate implementation guidelines and inter-departmental collaboration and liaison mechanisms for the relevant new offences under the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance to ensure a smoother law enforcement process. The TACO has also briefed representatives from the education sector on the latest tobacco control measures that are targeted at preventing the new generation from smoking, and exchanged views on the implementation of the relevant measures. Apart from law enforcement, the TACO will also conduct publicity for the new measures on television, radio and social media, and will continue to promote smoking prevention and cessation services, including conducting smoke-free publicity and education in the community to raise the public awareness on smoking hazards.

The timeline for implementing the new phase of tobacco control measures is set out at Annex. For the latest information about the various tobacco control measures, members of the public may also visit the C&ED and TACO webpages.

A spokesperson for the HHB said, "Smoking is the most important but preventable risk factor leading to death and disease. The Government is determined to further reduce the smoking prevalence of Hong Kong and minimise the impact of second-hand smoke on the public. The gazettal of the Amendment Ordinance to implement the new phase of tobacco control measures today symbolises the determination of the entire society to take forward tobacco control and safeguard public health."

The Government will continue to take forward tobacco control process in a progressive and multi-pronged approach, strengthen the work on promotion, education and smoking cessation, as well as explore various tobacco control measures in the medium and long term to eliminate the social hazards posed by tobacco products in all aspects and move towards a tobacco-free Hong Kong.

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202509/19/P2025091900335.htm.
 

New measures under SME Financing Guarantee Scheme

The Chief Executive announced in "The Chief Executive's 2025 Policy Address" on 17 September 2025 that the application period for the 80 per cent Guarantee Product under the SME Financing Guarantee Scheme (SFGS) will be extended for two years to the end of March 2028. The total loan guarantee commitment under the SFGS will be further increased by HK$20 billion to HK$310 billion, and the principal moratorium arrangement will be extended for one year.

The application period for principal moratorium arrangement, which is originally due for expiry on 17 November 2025, will be extended to 17 November 2026.

HKMC Insurance Limited will follow up with the participating lenders to implement the following arrangements:

(1) Eligible borrowing enterprises may apply to the participating lenders for a principal moratorium period of up to 12 months on or before 17 November 2025, and/or apply to the participating lenders for a principal moratorium period of up to 12 months between 18 November 2025 and 17 November 2026. This means that the principal moratorium period can be up to 24 months in total; and

(2) For loans newly drawn down on or after 18 November 2025, eligible borrowing enterprises may apply to the participating lenders on or before 17 November 2026 for a principal moratorium period of up to 12 months.

Borrowing enterprises can contact their participating lenders to inquire about specific arrangements starting from 1 November 2025.

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202509/17/P2025091700597.htm.
 

Taxi Written Test to be further enhanced from November 2025

The Transport Department (TD) announced on 16 September 2025 that the Taxi Written Test will be further enhanced from November 2025 to better align with the practical needs of the taxi trade while maintaining the level of assessment. For details, please refer to relevant press release https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202509/16/P2025091200673.htm.
 

New fees implemented at Aberdeen Tunnel, Shing Mun Tunnels and parking meters

The TD reminded members of the public on 16 September 2025 the implementation of new tolls for the Aberdeen Tunnel and Shing Mun Tunnels starting from 21 September (Sunday). The fixed toll for all vehicles throughout the day have been adjusted to $8. The new toll is expected to have minimal impact on traffic, while enabling tunnel operation to largely attain break-even.

Separately, new charges for metered parking spaces have taken effect from 28 September (Sunday). The maximum fee for metered parking has been adjusted to $4 per 15 minutes, i.e. a maximum fee of $16 per hour, with a view to increasing the turnover of vehicles using metered parking spaces, so that their supply can better meet the short-term parking needs of motorists. Fees for metered parking spaces for goods vehicles, buses and coaches will remain unchanged at the existing level.

The TD will update relevant systems to ensure the smooth implementation of new fees and remind motorists of the new fees via the HKeToll and HKeMobility mobile applications respectively. Motorists can also refer to the TD's webpage on tunnel tolls and parking meters for details.

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202509/16/P2025091500659.htm.
 

Hong Kong, China welcomes entry into force of WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies 

The HKSARG on 16 September 2025 welcomed the entry into force of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies (AFS) of the World Trade Organization (WTO) on 15 September (Geneva time) upon acceptance by two-thirds of the WTO members.

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, said, "We sincerely congratulate the WTO on implementing this historic agreement, which is the first WTO agreement with environmental sustainability at its core. This not only marks a step forward for ocean sustainability but also underscores that the WTO remains relevant in addressing issues of global concern."

"The AFS regulates WTO members' fisheries subsidies, which helps promote sustainable fishery operations to alleviate harm to the oceans and global fish stocks and, in the long run, protects and improves the operating environment for fishermen. The implementation of the agreement will deliver benefits for trade, development and the environment," he added.

Concluded at the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference in June 2022, the AFS establishes binding multilateral rules to prohibit certain subsidies with the most harmful effects on the sustainability of fisheries, namely, those contributing to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing; those for fishing regarding overfished stocks; and those for fishing on the unregulated high seas. WTO members also agreed to continue negotiations on outstanding issues with a view to further strengthening the disciplines under the AFS. Hong Kong, China (HKC) has been participating constructively in the negotiations.

WTO members that have accepted the AFS shall be obliged to comply with the AFS from the date it enters into force. Following HKC's acceptance of the AFS in August 2023, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), in accordance with the AFS, has made appropriate adjustments to the guidelines and conditions of relevant fisheries subsidies and support programmes. At present, there are no subsidies or support programmes that do not comply with the AFS.

For details about the AFCD's fisheries subsidies and support programmes (including the corresponding revised terms which are applicable immediately), please visit: www.afcd.gov.hk/english/fisheries/fish_cap/fish_cap_techsup/fish_cap_techsup.html.

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202509/16/P2025091500561.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.
 

【Deception Is Illegal  Apply for Funding Truthfully】

We have recently referred suspected fraud cases under the SME Export Marketing Fund (EMF) to the Police and arrests have been made.

The TID reviews all applications to ensure strict compliance with the Guide to Application and the relevant procedures in order to ensure proper use of public money. Any suspected provision of false information will be followed up on accordingly. It is the responsibility of an applicant enterprise to complete an Application Form timely and truthfully and to provide all genuine supporting documents. The TID will take administrative measures as deemed appropriate on party(ies) to an application for any malpractice unearthed in the application process. Serious cases will be referred to the law enforcement agencies for further action.

It is an offence in law to obtain property/pecuniary advantage by deception or assisting persons to obtain property/pecuniary advantage. Any person who does so may be liable to legal proceedings. Applicant enterprises are urged not to violate the law. 

Enquiry
Tel: 2398 5127
Email: emf_enquiry@tid.gov.hk
Website: https://emf.tid.gov.hk

Sustainability reporting tool upgraded to empower SMEs

To better support the SMEs, the Green and Sustainable Finance Cross-Agency Steering Group (CASG) in Hong Kong, in collaboration with CDP (formerly known as the Carbon Disclosure Project), has upgraded the Non-listed Company Sustainability Questionnaire (CASG Questionnaire): a free and easy-to-use online sustainability reporting tool.

In “CASG Questionnaire 2.0”, the questions are modularised by complexity and use cases to meet the needs of SMEs at different stages in their sustainability journey: 

• 14 core questions ── to obtain the basic and essential information needed to assess the sustainability performance of a company;
• Intermediate questions ── modularised by use cases to enable users to customise a fit-for-purpose questionnaire by selecting use cases that best describe their needs.

The questionnaire is also connected with a free greenhouse gas emissions calculation tool, enabling companies to use utility bills to calculate emissions and autofill relevant questions.

Please visit the e-Portal of CASG Questionnaire 2.0 at https://www.sustainablefinance.org.hk/en/data-technology/casg-non-listed-company-sustainability-questionnaire

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