TID／SUCCESS-supported Activities

I. OpenClaw & LLM 101: Principles & Risks of Agentic AI (Online Course)

(This course will be live-streamed on 21 April 2026)

This online course is offered by the HKPC. SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations.  This course will explain the practical functions and operating principles of large language models (LLMs, for example ChatGPT) and agentic AI (for example OpenClaw), as well as the powerful capabilities of Agentic AI and its extremely high potential risks. (This course will be conducted in Cantonese.)

More Details and Registration (in Chinese only)

II. [HKTISC IP Training] The Quest for Novelty: How Patent Searches Shape the Innovation Landscape (Online Training)

(This training will be live-streamed on 21 April 2026)

This online training is offered by the HKPC. SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations. This training will equip participants with practical, hands-on techniques for planning and conducting effective patent searches, and share common pitfalls, best practices, and real-world case studies to enhance understanding of how well-executed searches inform research and development (R&D) direction and strengthen patent prosecution.  (This training will be conducted in Cantonese.)

More Details and Registration

III. Latest Cross-border E-commerce Trends & SME Go-Global Strategy (Seminar)

(This seminar will be held at the HKPC Building on 22 April 2026)

This seminar is organised by the Hong Kong Federation of E-Commerce (HKFEC). SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations. This seminar will share the latest trends in cross-border e-commerce and practical strategies for SMEs to expand into overseas markets, with a view to assisting enterprises in seizing new opportunities in “going global” to efficiently expand into overseas markets and leverage emerging global opportunities. (This seminar will be conducted in Cantonese.)

More Details and Registration (in Chinese only)

IV. Webinar on Competition Ordinance

(This webinar will be live-streamed on 22 April 2026)

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 English.)

More Details and Registration

V. Seminar on “AI Creative × Efficiency: A New Formula for Advertising Productivity”

(This seminar will be held at the CMA Building on 23 April 2026)

This seminar is co-organised by The Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong (CMA) and the Hong Kong Brand Development Council.  SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations.  This seminar will share the application of AI in advertising creation processes and techniques, and provide compliance and risk management advice on AI copyright protection and risk control, as well as analyse the innovative possibilities of AI in advertising planning, with a view to enhancing the promotional effectiveness of advertising works. (This seminar will be conducted in Cantonese.)

More Details and Registration

VI. “Young Industrialist Awards of Hong Kong” (YIAH) & “Industrialist of the Year Award” (IOY) 2026 are now open for nominations

(Nomination deadline: 15 May 2026)

The Awards are organised by the Federation of Hong Kong Industries (FHKI). TID is one of the Strategic Partners.  Since 1988, FHKI has launched the YIAH, which has awarded 272 young industrialists aged between 21 and 45 over the years. FHKI introduced the IOY in 2002 to honour an exemplary industrialist with outstanding achievements to Hong Kong’s industry and society each year.

The Awards give recognition to industrialists who have made distinguished contributions to Hong Kong’s economic and social development. The Awards also aim to enhance public recognition of the industrial sector’s commitment to Hong Kong’s continuing prosperity and inspire more young people to build their careers in the industrial sector so as to promote innovation and continue the sterling work of veteran industrialists.

YIAH & IOY 2026 are now open for nominations. The nomination deadline is 15 May 2026. For details of eligibility and nomination procedures, please visit the Awards website at www.yiah.org/en/.

Visa-on-arrival access to Sri Lanka for HKSAR passport holders

The HKSARG has received notification from the Embassy of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka to the People's Republic of China that HKSAR passport holders who apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorization prior to visiting Sri Lanka may obtain an entry visa for a stay of up to 30 days upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport of Sri Lanka.    
 
An Immigration Department spokesman said, "Sri Lanka is along the Belt and Road. Under the Belt and Road Initiative, this visa-on-arrival arrangement will bring greater travel convenience to HKSAR passport holders and strengthen tourism, cultural and economic ties between the two places."
 
Including Sri Lanka, 175 countries and territories have granted visa-free access or visa-on-arrival to HKSAR passport holders. Please visit the following website for details:
www.immd.gov.hk/eng/service/travel_document/visa_free_access.html or scan the QR code in the Annex.

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202604/13/P2026041300293.htm.

CE meets with Director of CAC and jointly witness signing of MOU on innovation and technology

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, met with the Director of the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), Mr Zhuang Rongwen, in Hong Kong on 12 April 2026, to exchange views on deepening innovation and technology (I&T) collaboration and jointly witness the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Co-operation in Innovation and Technology Development (MOU) between the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau and the CAC, joining hands to promote the high-quality development of the digital economy through technological innovation.

The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, and the Deputy Director of the CAC, Mr Wang Jingtao, singed the MOU. Covering key areas including promotion of AI, cross-boundary data flow and blockchain, the MOU aims to deepen the implementation of the National 15th Five-Year Plan, supporting Hong Kong's development into an international I&T centre, promoting a new real economy driven by technological innovation, and driving Hong Kong's deeper integration into and contribution to the overall national development. The two places will further strengthen co-operation and jointly propel new quality productive forces development, deepen co-operation in cybersecurity, and strengthen international exchanges and promotion.

Mr Lee expressed his gratitude for the CAC's support for Hong Kong's I&T development. He said, "The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government will actively align with the National 15th Five-Year Plan, formulate Hong Kong's first five-year plan, striving to develop Hong Kong into an international I&T centre and a hub for high-end international talent, and achieving high-quality development. The MOU signed today (12 April 2026) marks a new milestone in the co-operation between the HKSAR Government and the CAC in the development of the digital economy, and fully demonstrates the country's high commitment and support to Hong Kong's I&T development. Hong Kong will continue to capitalise on our distinctive advantages of having strong support from the motherland and close connection with the world under the "one country, two systems" principle, deepen collaboration with the CAC to further promote cross-boundary data flow in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and jointly contribute to building a technologically advanced nation."

Mr Lee said that Hong Kong was designated again to stage the World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit this year on 13 and 14 April 2026. Hong Kong will proactively demonstrate its strengths in the digital economy and innovation capabilities, and leverage the pivotal role as a bridge for "going global and attracting foreign investment", so as to further deepen international exchanges and co-operation, and to expand broader and more diversified opportunities for I&T collaboration.

Professor Sun Dong said, "The National 15th Five-Year Plan explicitly supports Hong Kong's development into an international I&T centre. At the beginning of the 15th Five-Year Plan and with the robust support from the country, the HKSAR Government will accelerate the promotion of I&T development to build Hong Kong into a source of innovation for the country and the world, taking a new leap forward in Hong Kong's I&T development while serving the country's needs."

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202604/12/P2026041200659.htm

Rates and Government rent due 30 April 2026

Demands for rates and/or Government rent for the quarter from April to June 2026 have been issued, and payment should be made by 30 April 2026.

The demands have reflected the rates concession for this quarter, subject to a ceiling of $500 for each rateable tenement. Any unused concession cannot be used to offset outstanding rates in other quarters. There is no concession for Government rent.

The demands show the rateable values following the 2026-27 General Revaluation. The new rateable values are also available on the Rating and Valuation Department (RVD)'s website. Members of the public wishing to object to the new rateable values must lodge a proposal by 31 May 2026. They can lodge a proposal by submitting an electronic form (Form e-R20A) using the Electronic Submission of Forms on the RVD's website, or submitting a completed specified form (Form R20A) to the RVD in person or by post. The demands must be paid by the last day for payment shown on the demands, whether or not a proposal has been lodged.

Payment can be made:

(1) by using autopay, the Faster Payment System (FPS), PPS, Internet banking or bank automated teller machines (ATMs);

(2) by uploading an e-Cheque/e-Cashier Order via the Pay e-Cheque portal;

(3) by sending a crossed cheque to the Treasury, PO Box No. 28000, Sham Shui Po Post Office, Hong Kong (mail with insufficient postage will be rejected); or

(4) in person at any post office or designated convenience store in Hong Kong (i.e. 7-Eleven, Circle K or U select). For the addresses and opening hours of post offices, please call the Hongkong Post enquiry hotline on 2921 2222 or visit its website.
 
If payers have not received the demands, they may obtain replacement demands or enquire as to the amount payable by (i) visiting the RVD's website; (ii) calling 2152 0111; (iii) faxing 2152 0113; or (iv) visiting the RVD, 15/F, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon.
      
Non-receipt or late receipt of the demand does not alter the requirement that the total amount due must be paid by 30 April 2026. A surcharge of 5 per cent will be imposed for late payment. A further surcharge of 10 per cent will be levied on the amount (including the 5 per cent surcharge) which remains unpaid six months after the last day for payment.
 
For payment by autopay, the rates and/or Government rent will be debited from payers' bank accounts on 30 April 2026. Payers should ensure that there are sufficient funds in their bank accounts to meet the payments on that date until settlement.
 
To support environmental protection, payers are encouraged to utilise the RVD's free eRVD Bill service to receive e-bills and make payments, and to settle bills by autopay or other means of e-payment (e.g. FPS, PPS, Internet banking, e-Cheque/e-Cashier Order or ATMs) to save queuing time. Application forms for autopay can be obtained by downloading from the RVD's website, visiting the RVD, District Offices and banks or by calling 2152 0111.

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202604/10/P2026040800460.htm.

Government announces short-term targeted measures to address rising fuel prices

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, chaired a special meeting on 9 April 2026 and was briefed by the Inter-departmental Task Force on Monitoring Fuel Supply (the Task Force), which was earlier established by the HKSARG in response to the conflict in the Middle East region. The fluctuations in international oil prices and their impact on Hong Kong's overall economy, trade and various industries, as well as the Government's work and recommendations, were reported.

In view of the outbreak of the conflict in the Middle East region, the Chief Executive has earlier directed the establishment of the Task Force to monitor and assess geopolitical changes and fuel supply and prices, to ensure the stability of Hong Kong's energy supply, and to examine the impact of oil price fluctuations on various industries. The Task Force is led by the Financial Secretary, and its members include the Deputy Financial Secretary, the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, the Government Economist, and the Chairman of the Competition Commission.

The Acting Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong, briefed the Chief Executive at the meeting on the local fuel supply situation and the trend movements of international energy price, as well as the measures already taken by the HKSARG. The key points of the briefing and related measures are as follows:

(1) Ensure a robust energy supply. Currently, around 80 per cent of Hong Kong's oil products come from the Chinese Mainland. The HKSARG has maintained close communication with the Central Government and various Mainland authorities to ensure that Hong Kong's energy supply remains stable with the country's support.

(2) Request local stakeholders to maintain a stable fuel supply. The Environment and Ecology Bureau (EEB) has met with major local auto-fuel suppliers, requesting them to maintain a stable auto-fuel supply in Hong Kong. All suppliers indicated that the auto-fuel supply in Hong Kong is currently normal and that they will continue to strive to maintain a stable supply. The EEB has also confirmed with the two power companies and the Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited that the fuel supplies for electricity and town gas production remain normal.

(3) Facilitate the public to monitor changes of local retail auto-fuel prices. Starting from 1 April 2026, the EEB releases, on a weekly basis, the trend movements of the seven-day moving average retail prices, after walk-in discounts, of unleaded petrol and diesel from local oil companies, together with the trends in international benchmark prices of refined oil products for the same period, to enhance the transparency of market and price. The Competition Commission has also met with the fuel companies, emphasising the importance of fair competition and information transparency. The relevant information has been uploaded to the EEB website: www.eeb.gov.hk/en/energy/financial_monitoring.html. The Competition Commission will continue to closely monitor the market for any instances of price collusion or unfair competition to ensure fair market operations.

(4) Continue to closely monitor the international situation and energy price trends. The situation in the Middle East has driven up international oil prices. The price of crude oil at one point surged to nearly US$120 per barrel. As the situation has developed further, crude oil prices have shown a gradual decline. However, the price of refined oil remained high, and the market is closely monitoring the latest developments in the Middle East.

The Task Force recommended that in formulating support measures, the Government shall have regard to the following principles:

(1) Given that fluctuations in crude oil prices have a broad impact across society and considering the Government's fiscal constraints, priority should be given to the operational sectors that are most severely affected and that involve public services;

(2) If the service prices of the operational sectors are subject to regulatory approvals by the Government, these matters shall be addressed through the existing approval mechanism;

(3) The use of private vehicles for self-use, being a matter of personal decision with alternative options available, shall not be considered a primary priority;

(4) Given the unpredictability of the military conflict and the ongoing ceasefire negotiations, any support measures shall be temporary and short-term in nature, so as to avoid creating risks to public finances; and

(5) It is considered that public transport services (including franchised and non-franchised buses, minibuses and ferries) as well as school buses and residential buses, whose operating costs are highly susceptible to fluctuations in diesel prices, should be regarded as priority sectors for consideration of support.

As the short-term trajectory of oil prices remains uncertain, the Task Force, after considering the above principles and prudently balancing various factors, including the Government's fiscal position and the principle of prudent use of public funds, recommends implementing four targeted temporary measures. They are:

(1) Subsidising diesel prices to alleviate the impact of high oil prices on public services provided by relevant industries. Although international crude oil prices have slightly receded recently, the pump prices of motor vehicle diesel remain high, and the future price movements are highly uncertain. This has placed an additional burden on commercial vehicles (including trucks, franchised and non-franchised buses, and minibuses) and vessels (including ferries, passenger ships, work boats and fishing vessels) that mainly run on diesel, exerting a substantial impact on the economy and people's livelihood. Therefore, the Task Force has proposed a two-month subsidy of HK$3 per litre of diesel to support public and commercial vehicles and vessels and related industries that use diesel as fuel, with a view to reducing their operating costs and alleviating pressure to raise prices. The relevant subsidy measure is estimated to cost approximately HK$1.8 billion. The EEB will work with the Competition Commission to monitor the pricing practices of each fuel company to ensure that they do not take advantage of the occasion.

As for the majority of taxis and public light buses, they primarily use liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as fuel, the price of which currently remains stable. The Task Force will continue to monitor price movements and consider the matter further where appropriate.

(2) Tunnel toll reduction for non-private cars. The Government will reduce tunnel tolls by 50 per cent for all commercial vehicles (including goods vehicles, buses, minibuses, and taxis) using government-operated toll tunnels, excluding private cars and motorcycles. The measure will last for two months and is expected to result in a revenue reduction of approximately HK$160 million. The Government will work with toll service providers to adjust the toll collection systems in order to implement the reduction as soon as possible.

(3) Establishing a Working Group on Public Transport Service Special Applications to expedite and assist public transport operators (including public buses and ferries) in their applications relating to responding flexibly to rising fuel costs

The Task Force recommends establishing a Working Group on Public Transport Service Special Applications under its purview. The Working Group will maintain communication with public transport service operators. Taking into account the overall operating environment, operators' costs, and public affordability, while maintaining the stability and normal operations of public transport services, the Working Group will assist in expediting the approval of relevant applications submitted by public transport operators in response to rising fuel costs. This includes considering ways to enhance overall operational efficiency through service integration and introducing energy-saving measures. The Working Group will be chaired by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, with the Secretary for Environment and Ecology as deputy chair. Members include the Commissioner for Transport and the Government Economist.

(4) Dynamically monitoring the evolving situation and changes in oil prices, and adjusting measures according to actual circumstances

The impact of the situation in the Middle East on Hong Kong's overall economy largely depends on whether the military conflict continues, expands, or escalates. The Task Force will continue to conduct dynamic assessments, co-ordinate bureaux and departments to prepare contingency plans, and formulate forward-looking strategies. The Task Force will also study different measures to alleviate the impact of rising oil prices.

The Chief Executive has accepted the four recommendations of the Task Force and has instructed the Task Force to implement the measures as soon as possible, while continuing to monitor developments and the latest situation.

The relevant subsidy measure requires the funding approval by the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council (LegCo). The Government will liaise with the LegCo with a view to scheduling a meeting under the Finance Committee as soon as possible so as to facilitate the early implementation of the concerned measure.

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202604/09/P2026040900742.htm.

Hong Kong rises to world's fifth-largest trading entity in merchandise trade

 

According to the report "Global Trade Outlook and Statistics" published by World Trade Organization (WTO), Hong Kong ranked as the world's fifth-largest trading entity in merchandise trade in 2025, two places up from 2024. The total merchandise trade recorded a year-on-year increase of 17.5 per cent to US$1,585 billion, accounting for 3 per cent of the world's total.
      
The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, said on 2 April 2026, "The WTO report fully demonstrated that despite the challenges brought about by geopolitics and trade protectionism in the past year, Hong Kong's external trade remained resilient and achieved an encouraging result, making the city the world's fifth-largest trading entity in merchandise trade after the Chinese Mainland, the United States, Germany and the Netherlands. If the European Union is taken as a single trading entity, Hong Kong ranks fourth."

Mr Yau noted that Hong Kong has long adopted free trade and firmly supports and has upheld the rules-based multilateral trading system to provide trading partners with a predictable and transparent market. In addition, leveraging the institutional advantages under the "one country, two systems" framework and the highly internationalised business environment, Hong Kong has become the most important and agile gateway for business and trade in the region.

"The report also showed that a series of measures carried out by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSARG) for promoting trade, including expanding economic and trade networks, stepping up efforts in attracting enterprises and investment, deepening ties with international markets, exploring emerging markets, enhancing support for small and medium-sized enterprises, and promoting Hong Kong's participation in the Belt and Road initiative and opening up the Mainland market, have achieved fruitful results, enabling Hong Kong to continue to play a pivotal role in international trade," Mr Yau added.

He said, "This year (2026) marks the beginning of the country's 15th Five-Year Plan and the HKSARG is also formulating Hong Kong's five-year plan to actively align with it. The 15th Five-Year Plan explicitly supports Hong Kong in better integrating into and serving the overall national development to further consolidate and enhance Hong Kong's status as an international trade centre, leveraging its unique advantages of being backed by the motherland and connected to the world. The HKSARG will continue to promote trade and focus on further assisting Mainland enterprises in going global through Hong Kong as a platform to explore new areas of economic growth in addition to strengthening the aforesaid measures, with a view to fulfilling our roles as a 'super connector' and a 'super value-adder'."

Riding on the good performance last year (2025), merchandise exports continued to show strong performance in early 2026. In February 2026, the values of Hong Kong's total exports and imports of goods both recorded year-on-year increases, at 24.7 per cent and 29.9 per cent respectively. Taking January and February of 2026 together, the value of total exports of goods increased by 29.6 per cent over the same period in 2025. Concurrently, the value of imports of goods increased by 34.1 per cent. 

According to the WTO report, Hong Kong ranked as the world's fifth-largest trading entity in merchandise trade in 2025. Hong Kong was the world's fifth-largest exporter and the sixth-largest importer of goods (both were three places up from 2024).

Globally, the world's top 10 merchandise traders in 2025 were basically the same as those in 2024. While the top four traders, namely the Chinese Mainland, the United States, Germany and the Netherlands, remained unchanged in ranking, Hong Kong moved two places up to the fifth position, followed by the United Kingdom, Japan, France, Italy and Mexico.

For commercial service trading, Hong Kong was the world's 22nd-largest commercial service trading entity in 2025. It was the world's 23rd-largest commercial services exporter and the 25th importer (both remained the same ranking as that in 2024). Hong Kong's total trade in commercial services amounted to US$211 billion in 2025, accounting for 1.2 per cent of the world's total and representing a 6.6 per cent increase from 2024.

The "Global Trade Outlook and Statistics" report is available at www.wto.org/english/res_e/reser_e/gots_e.htm.

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202604/02/P2026040200335.htm.

FEHD expedites approval of applications for outside seating accommodation of restaurants through new "joint-vetting" mechanism

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) announced on 1 April 2026 that, starting from that day, it will collaborate with relevant departments to implement a new "joint-vetting" mechanism and streamline procedures for processing applications for outside seating accommodation (OSA) of restaurants, with the aim of facilitating business operations.

A spokesman for the FEHD said, "Previously, the median processing time for OSA applications was 12 months from receipt of application to approval. Under the new arrangements, applications which are simple and straightforward are expected to be approved in principle within about one month, with applicants informed of the detailed licensing requirements."

The spokesman added, "Application requirements have also been suitably relaxed. For example, eligible restaurants will not be required to increase food room areas and sanitary fitments for the OSA. Applications involving walkways with a remaining width of 3 metres or more after the provision of OSA will generally be considered as meeting the traffic requirements. Each relevant department will also assign a dedicated case manager to handle applicant's enquiries."

Under the new arrangements, the application form has been enhanced to ensure that each relevant department receives necessary information upfront, expediting the approval process. District Offices will conduct local consultations in parallel. If no objections are raised, applications will be approved in principle; formal approval will be granted once applicants comply with licensing requirements and inspections are completed by the FEHD and relevant departments. For complex cases arising during the "joint-vetting", the relevant Permanent Secretaries and even the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration will step in to resolve issues. After approval of OSA, the departments will conduct audit checking as necessary to ensure that there are no violations.

​The Chief Executive announced in the 2025 Policy Address that the FEHD and relevant departments would expedite OSA applications of restaurants and streamline procedures. Under the leadership of the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, the FEHD and relevant departments had earlier streamlined procedures, formulated internal guidelines, and briefed the trade on the new arrangements. Details of the new application arrangements and forms are available on the FEHD website (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/licensing/guide.html#OutsideSeatingAccommodation). The application forms also provide enquiry hotlines for each relevant department.

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202604/01/P2026040100358.htm.

Application period of 2026 Innovation and Technology Support Programme (Platform & Seed) announced (18 May-17 July 2026)

The Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) announced on 1 April 2026 that applications under the 2026 Innovation and Technology Support Programme (ITSP) (Platform & Seed) will be invited from 18 May 2026 until 17 July 2026.
      
The ITSP (Platform & Seed) aims to support applied research and development (R&D) projects undertaken by R&D centres or designated local public research institutes with a view to transferring R&D results to local industries. Platform projects are applied R&D projects that are industry-oriented and have potential for commercialisation, while seed projects are exploratory and forward-looking projects.

An ITC spokesman said, "To fully align with the country's 15th Five-Year Plan, the ITC welcomes applications closely related to the technology areas highlighted in the Plan (quantum technology, embodied AI, etc). Applications related to other technology areas that meet the eligibility requirements are also welcome. To allow applicants more time to prepare their proposals and identify industry partners, we have brought forward the announcement of this year (2026)'s application period."

Further information on the ITSP (Platform & Seed) is available on the Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF) website (www.itf.gov.hk/en/funding-programmes/supporting-research/itsp/itsp-platform-seed/index.html). For enquiries, please contact the ITF Secretariat (Tel: 3543 5904; email: enquiry@itf.gov.hk).

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202604/01/P2026033100447.htm.
 

"Primary evaluation" begins phased implementation and applications of new drugs for registration accepted under initial phase

The Department of Health (DH) began the phased implementation of "primary evaluation" for new drug registration on 31 March 2026. The initial phase covers applications for the registration of drug products containing locally registered chemical entities with extended applications (e.g. new indications, new strengths, new posology, new dosage forms, etc). Applications of new drugs for registration under the initial phase are now being accepted. The DH has sent letters to notify pharmaceutical associations and stakeholders (including holders and applicants of certificates of drug registration), and will organise online briefing seminars in April 2026 to explain the relevant details. 

As mentioned in "The Chief Executive's 2025 Policy Address" that the HKSARG would establish the Hong Kong Centre for Medical Products Regulation (CMPR) in 2026 and begin the phased implementation of the "primary evaluation" mechanism for new drug registration in the same year. The HKSARG aims to achieve full coverage of all pharmaceutical products by 2030, which will enable Hong Kong to independently assess and approve the safety and efficacy of new drugs based on clinical data, with a view to expediting the introduction of innovative medical products, thereby achieving the goal of making good drugs and medical devices available for use in Hong Kong for the benefit of patients.

To pave the way for "primary evaluation", the Government first implemented the "1+" drug approval mechanism on 1 November 2023, to facilitate the registration of new drugs in Hong Kong for treating life-threatening or severely debilitating diseases. The mechanism was extended on 1 November 2024 to cover all new drugs, including all new chemical or biological entities, new indications, vaccines and advanced therapy products. New drugs that are supported by local clinical data and recognised by local experts can be applied for registration in Hong Kong if the applicant submits evidence of approval from the drug regulatory authority of one non-local reference place (instead of two in the past). Since the launch of the "1+" mechanism, 19 new drugs have been approved under this mechanism. Seven of them have been listed in the Hospital Authority Drug Formulary. This brings new treatment options for patients and attracts more drug research and development (R&D) as well as clinical trials to be conducted in Hong Kong. 

"Primary evaluation" is a new and comprehensive regulatory process to approve applications for registration of new drugs which involves the independent assessment of primary data of all pre-clinical trials (i.e. animal testing), clinical studies, pharmacovigilance, manufacturing and quality control, etc in order to fully ensure their safety, efficacy and quality before and after the drugs are placed in the market (i.e. throughout the product life cycle). Registering new drugs under the "primary evaluation" mechanism facilitates immediate approval without relying and waiting for approval from non-local drug regulatory authorities, which further speeds up the introduction of new drugs and clinical applications. This will not only help speed up patients' access to breakthrough treatments but also boost medical R&D, testing and related industries in Hong Kong. The Office for Introducing Innovative Drugs and Medical Devices under the Hospital Authority will, after ascertaining the needs and benefits of innovative drug treatments for local patients, proactively liaise with manufacturers of innovative drugs and medical devices, and utilise the "1+" mechanism for registration to bring in innovative drugs and medical devices that are beneficial and cost-effective for patients.

For details of applications for the registration and the briefing seminars, please visit the DH's dedicated website.

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202603/31/P2026033100705.htm.

 

Topical Issues

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

Overseas Market Regulations

The HKTDC gives guides and resources, as well as regulatory alert, on trade regulations of overseas markets, such as “QATAR: Package of Port Tariff Concessions Introduced” (10 April 2026), “EGYPT: Three-Month Exemption on ACI Requirements for Gulf Shipping” (8 April 2026),and “KUWAIT: Emergency Air-cargo Land-rerouting Initiative Approved” (2 April 2026).

More Details