SUCCESS-supported Activities

I. [HKTISC IP Training] Co-Creating the Future: AI and Intellectual Property in the Innovation Era (Online Training)

(This course will be live-streamed on 19 May 2026)

This online training is offered by the HKPC. SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations. This training will provide participants with critical insights into how AI is reshaping the IP landscape and effective IP strategies for protecting innovation in AI-driven enterprises. (This training will be conducted in English.)

More Details and Registration

II. FutureSkills - AI Training for ALL (Event)

(This event will be held at the HKPC Building on 21 May 2026)

This event is held by the HKPC. SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations. This event aims to equip participants with practical strategies to help organisations and professionals of all kinds thrive in the AI era — by effectively combining advanced AI tools and skills with irreplaceable human strengths such as creativity and leadership.  This event will include a panel discussion: “Enabling the Human + AI Workforce” and a series of AI-themed workshops.

More Details and Registration

Statutory Minimum Wage: Latest Revision

The annual review of the Statutory Minimum Wage (SMW) has been implemented.  The SMW rate is raised to $43.1 per hour with effect from 1 May 2026.
 
The monthly monetary cap on the requirement for employers to record the total number of hours worked by employees in a wage period is raised to $17,600 per month with effect from 1 May 2026 in tandem with the implementation of the new SMW rate.
 
24-hour Enquiry Hotline : 2717 1771 (handled by “1823”)
Labour Department (LD)’s Homepage : https://www.labour.gov.hk/eng/index.htm

Webinar on the Minimum Wage Ordinance

The LD will hold a webinar on the Minimum Wage Ordinance on 12 June 2026 (Friday) at 3pm.

The main provisions of the Minimum Wage Ordinance, including the new Statutory Minimum Wage rate of $43.1 per hour effective from 1 May 2026, and the annual review mechanism of the Statutory Minimum Wage will be introduced in the webinar.  Employers, employees and human resource practitioners are welcome to attend.  (This webinar will be conducted in Cantonese, and participation is free.  Spaces will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, and the enrolment deadline is 28 May 2026 (Thursday).)
 
More details

HKECIC Launches "SME Protect Plus" Pilot Scheme
Providing Comprehensive Risk Protection for Exporters through Parallel Enhanced Measures and Discounts

The Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation (HKECIC) will launch the “SME Protect Plus” pilot scheme in July 2026, as announced in the 2026-27 Budget. Running for a period of one year, this pilot scheme is specifically designed to provide more comprehensive risk protection for SMEs exporting to higher-risk buyers. Furthermore, the HKECIC concurrently extends the “Special Enhanced Measures” and the 15% premium discount for the “Online Micro-Business Policy” (OMBP) by one year. These initiatives aim to provide sustained support to Hong Kong exporters in navigating the challenges.

Mr Terence Chiu, Commissioner of HKECIC, said, “SMEs are the bedrock of the Hong Kong economy and constitute the core customer segment for the HKECIC. To address the challenges faced by SMEs when dealing with some overseas buyers who pose relatively higher credit risks and are unable to meet standard underwriting criteria, we are introducing the ‘SME Protect Plus’ pilot scheme. This pilot scheme adopts more flexible and lenient underwriting criteria to provide additional risk protection, helping SMEs expand steadily and access high-potential overseas markets.”

Mr Chiu added, “In response to the escalation of the China-US trade conflict last year, we swiftly introduced the ‘Special Enhanced Measures‘ to timely assist enterprises in addressing rising credit risks. As of 31 March 2026, these measures have provided coverage for total shipments valued at approximately HK$4.1 billion. In view of the uncertainties posed by the developments in the Middle East and the rising international oil prices, the HKECIC decides to extend the expiry dates of these multiple enhanced measures, thereby supporting enterprises and reducing their operating costs. Consequently, businesses are better positioned to expand into emerging markets while simultaneously reinforcing their traditional core markets, thereby enhancing competitiveness and seizing new business opportunities.”

(1) Launch of “SME Protect Plus” pilot scheme

The “SME Protect Plus” pilot scheme will be launched in July 2026, running for one year. The HKECIC offers holders of “Small Business Policy” (Note 1) (SBP) coverage for a maximum liability of HK$600,000, specifically for buyers (Note 2) who normally would not be approved for credit limits due to risk-related reasons. These buyers may include those with shorter establishment periods, smaller-scale operations, weaker financial conditions, or insufficient buyer information. The pilot scheme offers an indemnity of 70%, covering risks such as post-shipment buyer insolvency, payment defaults, failure or refusal to take delivery of goods, or inability to recover payments due to political and social factors in the buyer’s region. For further information, please contact the HKECIC hotline at 2732 9988 or visit www.hkecic.com.

(2) Extension of “Special Enhanced Measures”

The HKECIC’s Special Enhanced Measures are applicable to both existing and new policyholders, with the validity extended until 30 June 2027. The measures include:

(i) Further extending free pre-shipment cover for holders of the “Small Business Policy” (SBP).

(ii) Continuing to offer a 50% discount on pre-shipment risks cover premiums for each non-SBP holder (Note 3). Claims payment will be made in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Policy if the insured buyer cancels the binding and valid contract or becomes insolvent before shipment, provided the policyholder has fulfilled its obligations under the contract and has complied with the terms and conditions of the Policy.

(iii) Continuing to reduce the premium rates for emerging markets in line with those for traditional major markets to assist Hong Kong exporters in accessing new markets, such as ASEAN and the Belt and Road regions at a lower cost

(3) Extension of 15% premium discount for “Online Micro-Business Policy”

The OMBP is specially designed for micro-enterprises with annual turnover of less than HK$30 million. The 15% premium discount for this policy has been extended until 30 June 2027. Enterprises can apply online via the “EC-Reach” with a simple and streamlined application process.

In addition, to mark the 60th anniversary this year, the HKECIC launched the “60th Anniversary Policyholder Reward Programme” in April, offering a credit reward of up to HK$6,000 for both existing and new policyholders, which can be used to offset the premium, policy fees or credit checking facility fees. This initiative serves to honour the exporters’ long-standing support and aims to ease their operating costs, thereby supporting their business expansion.

The HKECIC was established in 1966 under the Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation Ordinance (Chapter 1115). Through the provision of export credit insurance services, the HKECIC protects Hong Kong exporters who trade on credit terms with overseas buyers against non-payment risks and helps them conduct export business in a prudent manner. The HKSARG provides a guarantee of HK$80 billion for the HKECIC’s statutory maximum liability.

Note 1:   The “Small Business Policy” (SBP) is tailored for exporters with an annual turnover of less than HK$50 million. Existing or new SBP holders who have been incorporated for at least one year since the announcement of the scheme and meet the relevant terms and conditions, are eligible to apply for the “SME Protect Plus” pilot scheme.

Note 2: Excluding buyers who are already under insolvency or receivership proceedings, have existing overdue accounts receivable, or are having other significant known risks.

Note 3: Non-SBP holders can apply the “Contract Cover Policy” to enjoy a 50% discount on pre-shipment risks cover.

For relevant press release, please visit HKECIC’s web page.

HKMA launches CargoX Pilot Programme

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) on 7 May 2026 announced the launch of the CargoX Pilot Programme. Through a series of innovative projects with 21 participating banks (see Annex 1), the HKMA will take deep dives into cargo and trade data use cases, leveraging the Commercial Data Interchange (CDI) data infrastructure, with a view to advancing trade finance digitalisation and unlocking greater trade finance availability for Hong Kong's SMEs.
      
In collaboration with relevant government agencies and industry stakeholders, the HKMA is actively taking forward the 20 recommendations under the Data, Infrastructure and Connectivity pillars set out in the "Project CargoX Recommendation Report" published in January 2026. The Pilot Programme will take a step forward by facilitating the iterative validation of cargo and trade data initiatives through a series of pilot transactions.
      
The integration of cargo and trade data will transform banking operations and trade finance processes, thereby assisting SMEs, particularly importers and exporters, in addressing the existing pain points in obtaining financing. Twenty-one banks with material trade finance businesses will actively participate in the Pilot Programme. These banks have established their own dedicated cross-functional taskforce to support the development of projects under the Pilot Programme.
      
In 2026 and 2027, a number of pilot projects (see Annex 2) will focus on four key areas, including integrating with key cargo and trade data platforms, combining SME trade flow and cash flow data for banks' multi-dimensional credit assessment, adopting Digital Corporate Identity to enable trusted data sharing, and enhancing connectivity with key trade corridors.
      
Mr Howard Lee, Deputy Chief Executive of the HKMA, said, "The launch of the CargoX Pilot Programme marks a key milestone in translating the CargoX recommendations into action. We appreciate the strong commitment as reflected by the active participation of 21 participating banks, relevant government agencies and other key stakeholders in the trade and trade finance ecosystem. Through coordinated exploration of concrete cargo and trade data use cases under the Pilot Programme, CargoX will drive trade finance digitalisation and better serve the real economy, thereby consolidating Hong Kong's position as a leading trade and trade finance hub."

For relevant press release, please visit HKMA’s web page.

Applications for allowing dogs to enter food premises to commence from 18 May 2026 (deadline: 8 June 2026)

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) announced on 7 May 2026 that applications for restaurants to allow dogs to enter their premises will commence from 18 May 2026. It is expected that the permitted food premises could welcome their customers with dogs within July 2026.

A spokesman for the FEHD said, "The Food Business (Amendment) Regulation 2026 will come into effect tomorrow (8 May 2026). However, it should be noted that restaurants must first submit an application and obtain approval before allowing dogs to enter. The FEHD will hold several briefing sessions next week to introduce the regulatory and application arrangements to the catering trade, and will start accepting applications from restaurants for dog entry on 18 May (2026).

"The first batch of permission is expected to be granted in mid-June (2026). To allow time for operational preparation by the trade, the FEHD will specify a date in July (2026) from which dogs will be allowed to enter permitted food premises. While the exact date will be announced in due course, no person shall bring any dog onto any food premises prior to that date (except for guide dogs and working dogs)."

Restaurants interested in applying for the dog-admission permission may submit their applications electronically through the FEHD's dedicated webpage (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/licensing/dog_restaurants/index.html) during the application period from 18 May 2026 to 8 June 2026. A quota of not more than 1 000 restaurants is set for the first phase of application. If more than 1 000 applications are received, allocation will be made by balloting. For safety considerations, applications from hotpot restaurants and barbecue restaurants (including teppanyaki and Korean barbecue) will not be accepted, and only applications from restaurants with an area larger than 20 square metres will be considered. Apart from the above restrictions, all restaurants with a full licence may apply for the dog-admission permission.

The FEHD will notify successful applicants in mid-June 2026, and assign designated officers to visit the successful restaurants and brief their operators on the statutory requirements, licence conditions and other compliance arrangements. Successful applicants are required to pay a fee of $140 within a specified period for the amendment of their licences to add therein the dog-admission permission. A date in July 2026 will be specified, from which dogs will be allowed to enter permitted food premises, and will be announced in due course. The FEHD will publish the list of permitted restaurants on its dedicated webpage before that date to facilitate the public in making an informed choice.

The FEHD will step up publicity and education to familiarise the trade and the public with relevant regulatory requirements and arrangements. The FEHD, in collaboration with relevant professional bodies, will organise four briefing sessions on 11 to 13 May 2026 and 28 May 2026 for the trade. Letters have been sent to all restaurant licensees earlier, inviting them to join the briefing sessions. Restaurant operators who are unable to attend in person and other interested parties may choose to watch the live broadcast via the FEHD's Facebook page from 2.30pm to 5pm on the days of the briefing sessions, which will also be uploaded to the FEHD's dedicated webpage. Furthermore, the FEHD will upload information, including licence conditions, frequently asked questions and a set of Guidelines on Good Practices and Behaviour, to its dedicated webpage later this month for reference by restaurant operators and members of the public.

Starting from 8 May 2026, the FEHD will set up two dedicated hotlines (2867 5912 and 2867 2836). Enquiries can be made through the hotlines from 9am to 5pm from Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202605/07/P2026050700376.htm.

Inland Revenue Department issues tax returns for individuals

The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) issued about 2.77 million tax returns for individuals for the year of assessment (Y/A) 2025/26 and reminded taxpayers to file their returns on time on 4 May 2026. The filing deadline is one month (by 4 June) for general cases and three months (by 4 August) for sole proprietors. An extension of one month will be granted for returns filed electronically (i.e. 4 July for general cases and 4 September for sole proprietors).

The Commissioner of Inland Revenue, Mr Benjamin Chan, hosted a press conference on the same day on the completion of tax returns, electronic tax filing services and tax collection in the financial year 2025-26.

Mr Chan introduced the concessionary tax measures proposed in the 2025 Policy Address and the 2026-27 Budget, including:

(1) providing a one-off reduction of salaries tax, tax under personal assessment and profits tax for Y/A 2025/26 by 100 per cent, subject to a ceiling of $3,000 per case;

(2) increasing the basic allowance, married person's allowance, single parent allowance, child allowance, additional child allowance for newborns, dependent parent/grandparent allowances, additional dependent parent/grandparent allowances, and raising the deduction ceiling for elderly residential care expenses, with effect from Y/A 2026/27; and

(3) extending the claim period for additional child allowance for newborns from one year to two years.

Mr Chan said that the Inland Revenue (Amendment) (Tax Concessions, Concessionary Deductions and Allowances) Bill 2026 for implementing the above measures has been introduced into the Legislative Council (LegCo). Taxpayers only need to complete the tax returns for Y/A 2025/26 as usual. After passage of the Bill, the relevant tax reduction, tax allowances and tax deductions will be reflected in IRD's assessments of taxpayers' final tax payable for Y/A 2025/26 and provisional tax for Y/A 2026/27.

Mr Chan encouraged taxpayers to file their tax returns through eTAX, which is easy, secure and environmentally friendly, and to ensure that they reach IRD in time. 

He said, "IRD is committed to promoting tax digitalisation and has been upgrading the electronic tax service. We launched three new tax portals under eTAX last July (July 2025), namely the Individual Tax Portal, Business Tax Portal and Tax Representative Portal, and the eTax mobile application to help individuals, businesses and tax service agents handle tax matters conveniently and efficiently. Starting from today (4 May 2026), our electronic tax filing services will be further extended to cover the filing of tax returns for claiming exemption of salaries income and relief from double taxation, and by taxpayers running sole proprietorship businesses with a gross income exceeding $2 million."

The first phase of mandatory electronic filing of profits tax returns came into effect on 1 April 2026. The relevant entities of multinational enterprise groups subject to the global minimum tax regime are required to file their profits tax returns electronically from Y/A 2025/26 onwards. Mr Chan added that IRD would launch a new function under the Business Tax Portal in the fourth quarter of this year to enable the relevant entities to file top-up tax returns, as well as to view and download the relevant electronic notices of top-up tax assessments.

He reminded taxpayers to pay sufficient postage if they choose to submit their returns by post to ensure timely delivery. Underpaid mail items will not be accepted by IRD.
           
Taxpayers may visit IRD's "e-Seminars" for details on completing tax returns. From 4 May to 4 June 2026, IRD will deploy additional staff to operate the telephone enquiries hotline 187 8022 and extend the service hours of the hotline (8.15am to 7pm on weekdays, and 9am to 1pm on Saturdays).

Please see Annex 1 for details of IRD's tax revenue collection in the financial year 2025-26.
 
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202605/04/P2026050400593.htm.

Global Fast Track 2026 opens for applications expanded eight-vertical line-up and new online market readiness programme to support global startup expansion into Asia via Hong Kong (deadline: 25 September 2026)

Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) announced on 4 May 2026 that applications are now open for the ninth edition of the Global Fast Track (GFT) 2026 until 25 September 2026. For the first time, the flagship initiative will cover eight major verticals and introduce a new Online Market Readiness Programme, alongside an upgraded pitching competition. These enhancements provide a platform for innovative technology companies to showcase their solutions, while offering more diverse and flexible pathways to leverage Hong Kong as a launchpad for expansion into Asian and international markets.

Anchored around Hong Kong FinTech Week x StartmeupHK 2026, the programme offers participating companies tailored business matching, one-on-one meetings with corporates, investors and community partners, live pitching opportunities, mentorship and market-entry support to scale their innovations.

For details of GFT 2026 and the application process, please visit here.
 
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202605/04/P2026050400244.htm.

Land Registry releases new Street Index and New Territories Lot/Address Cross Reference Table

 

The Land Registry (LR) announced on 1 May 2026 that compact discs for the 58th edition of the Index of Streets, House Numbers and Lots in Hong Kong, Kowloon and New Kowloon (Street Index), and the 27th edition of the New Territories Lot/Address Cross Reference Table (CRT), have been released. The discs facilitate searches of land records of urban and New Territories properties by correlating property addresses, building names or lot numbers.

Members of the public who wish to purchase the compact discs and the licences may submit a completed order form on the LR's website (www.landreg.gov.hk/en/pforms/form.htm), by post or in person to the LR's Customer Centre (19/F, Queensway Government Offices, 66 Queensway, Hong Kong), the New Territories Search Offices or the LR's Street Index and CRT Help Desk (Room 1031, 10/F, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong). The form can be obtained on the LR's website (www.landreg.gov.hk/en/pforms/form.htm) or at the LR's Customer Centre, the New Territories Search Offices and the Street Index and CRT Help Desk.

An online version of the new Street Index and CRT is also available for free browsing on the LR's website (www.landreg.gov.hk/en/public/pu-si_agree.htm) or through the hyperlink on the Integrated Registration Information System Online Services (www.iris.gov.hk).

For enquiries, please call the Street Index and CRT Help Desk or the Customer Service Manager of the LR at 3105 0000.
 
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202605/01/P2026043000362.htm.

New Statutory Minimum Wage rate of $43.1 per hour taken effect

The Statutory Minimum Wage (SMW) rate has been raised from $42.1 per hour to $43.1 with effect from 1 May 2026.

According to the Minimum Wage Ordinance (MWO), employees are protected by the SMW whether they are monthly-rated, daily-rated, hourly-rated, piece-rated, permanent, casual, full-time or part-time, etc, and regardless of whether they are employed under a continuous contract as defined in the Employment Ordinance (EO). The SMW is not applicable to live-in domestic workers (irrespective of their sex, race and nationality), student interns and work experience students as specified in the MWO, and persons to whom the EO does not apply.

The SMW also protects employees with disabilities. A special arrangement is provided under the MWO for employees with disabilities to opt for a productivity assessment to determine whether they should be remunerated at no less than the SMW or at a rate commensurate with their productivity. For those employees with disabilities who have chosen this special arrangement, their employers must pay wages of not less than the amount calculated according to the new SMW rate and the degree of productivity assessed.

In addition, the monthly monetary cap on the requirement for employers to record the total number of hours worked by employees in a wage period under the EO has been raised from $17,200 to $17,600 per month with effect from 1 May 2026 in tandem with the implementation of the new SMW rate. When wages payable to an employee in respect of a wage period are less than $17,600 per month, the employer is required to keep a record of the total number of hours worked by the employee in that wage period.

Enquiries about the SMW can be made through the 24-hour enquiry hotline at 2717 1771 (handled by 1823) and during office hours at branch offices of the Labour Relations Division of the LD. For details of the SMW, please visit the LD's homepage (www.labour.gov.hk).

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202605/01/P2026043000261.htm.

Trade Single Window smoothly replaces Road Cargo System

The Government announced on 1 May 2026 that the first batch of Phase 3 services of the Trade Single Window (TSW) has been launched, smoothly replacing the Road Cargo System (ROCARS) for the submission of advance cargo information (road) by the trade.

The TSW provides a one-stop electronic platform for trade members to lodge business-to-government trade documents for trade declarations and cargo clearances. The TSW streamlines trade document submissions, helping traders save time and costs. The TSW Phase 3 services are rolling out in three batches starting today. The first batch of services covers the advance cargo information (road) service previously provided by ROCARS.

User data of the former ROCARS have been automatically migrated to the TSW system. Users are not required to re-register and may log in with their original accounts for a seamless transition to the TSW service.

A Government spokesman said, "The full implementation of the TSW will help promote the digitalisation of trade processes, enhance customs clearance efficiency, and further strengthen Hong Kong's competitiveness as an international trade centre and logistics hub."

To facilitate the smooth transition of the trade to the TSW Phase 3 services, the Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) has stepped up support measures, including deploying additional staff at land boundary control points to provide on-site assistance to cross-boundary truck drivers, and enhancing hotline services. The C&ED will continue to maintain close liaison with the trade to assist them in adapting to the new system. For enquiries, please contact the Office of the Trade Single Window Operation of the C&ED at 2117 3348 or by email to enquiry@tradesinglewindow.hk.
 
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202605/01/P2026050100156.htm.
 

Securities and Futures and Companies Legislation (Amendment) Ordinance 2021 (Commencement) Notice gazetted

To implement the uncertificated securities market (USM) regime, the Government published in the Gazette on 30 April 2026 the Securities and Futures and Companies Legislation (Amendment) Ordinance 2021 (Commencement) Notice to appoint 16 November 2026 as the date on which Part 2 (except section 9(2)) and Part 5 of the Securities and Futures and Companies Legislation (Amendment) Ordinance 2021 come into operation.

The relevant provisions of the Amendment Ordinance set out the principal framework of the USM regime, which seeks to eliminate the need for paper documents in evidencing and transferring legal ownership of prescribed securities, enhancing the infrastructure, efficiency, competitiveness and investor protection of the securities market in Hong Kong by reducing reliance on paper and manual processes. 

The six pieces of subsidiary legislation made in 2025, which set out detailed arrangements of the regime, will also come into operation on the same date under their commencement provisions. They are:

(i) Securities and Futures (Uncertificated Securities Market) Rules (L.N. 15 of 2025); 
(ii) Securities and Futures (Approved Securities Registrars) Rules (L.N. 16 of 2025) (as amended by the Companies (Amendment) (No. 2) Ordinance 2025); 
(iii) Securities and Futures (Stock Market Listing) (Amendment) Rules 2025 (L.N. 17 of 2025); 
(iv) Securities and Futures (Open-ended Fund Companies) (Amendment) Rules 2025 (L.N. 18 of 2025); 
(v) Securities and Futures Ordinance (Amendment of Schedule 8) Order 2025 (L.N. 14 of 2025); and 
(vi) Securities and Futures Ordinance (Amendment of Schedule 5) Notice 2025 (L.N. 19 of 2025).

A spokesperson for the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau said, "The Government has been in close collaboration with the Securities and Futures Commission, the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, the Federation of Share Registrars Limited and the industry to steadily take forward the preparation for the USM regime in a prudent manner, which is now in its final stage. The implementation of the USM regime will enhance the efficiency and infrastructure of the Hong Kong securities market, as well as provide better investor protection and transparency. The regime will help consolidate and enhance Hong Kong's competitiveness and status as an international financial centre."

The Commencement Notice was tabled before the LegCo on 6 May 2026.
 
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202604/30/P2026043000273.htm.

United Nations Sanctions (Somalia) Regulation 2019 (Amendment) Regulation 2026 gazetted

The Government gazetted on 30 April 2026 the United Nations Sanctions (Somalia) Regulation 2019 (Amendment) Regulation 2026 (Amendment Regulation), which came into operation on the same day.

"The Amendment Regulation amends the United Nations Sanctions (Somalia) Regulation 2019 to give effect to certain decisions relating to sanctions in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2806 in respect of Somalia," a Government spokesman said.

The amendments mainly relate to the requirements of the licences for the supply, sale, transfer or carriage of weapons, ammunition or military equipment to Somalia or to certain persons.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government 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/202604/30/P2026043000167.htm.

31 May 2026 deadline for lodging proposals to object to rateable values

The Rating and Valuation Department (RVD) reminded members of the public on 30 April 2026 that proposals objecting to the new rateable values effective from 1 April 2026 must be lodged by 31 May 2026.

The new rateable values can be viewed on the RVD's Property Information Online website by 31 May 2026.

Proposals can be lodged by submitting an electronic form (Form e-R20A) on the RVD's website or a completed Form R20A to the RVD in person or by post, without the need to engage an agent. Form R20A is available on the RVD's website, or at the RVD's office or the Home Affairs Department's Home Affairs Enquiry Centres. Proposals received after 31 May 2026 or submitted by other means will not be accepted.

An RVD spokesman said, "Rates and Government rent must be paid by the last day for payment shown on the demands, whether or not a proposal has been lodged. The RVD will review all proposals carefully in accordance with the relevant ordinances. Whether or not a proposal is lodged through an agent has no bearing on the review. Proposers will be informed of the RVD's decisions before 1 December (2026). Any changes in rateable values resulting from such decisions will date back to 1 April this year (2026), and adjustments will be made in subsequent demands."
 
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202604/30/P2026042900683.htm.
 

New private driving instructor's licences open for applications from 11 May 2026 (deadline: 5pm, 29 May 2026)

The Transport Department (TD) announced on 30 April 2026 that a total of 332 new private driving instructor's (PDI) licences will be open for applications from 9am on 11 May 2026 until 5pm on 29 May 2026. For enquiries, please call the TD's hotline at 2804 2600.

For quotas for each PDI group and application details, please visit the TD's website (www.td.gov.hk) and relevant press release https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202604/30/P2026042900410.htm.

Inter-departmental Task Force on Monitoring Fuel Supply launches measures to cope with fuel prices

The Inter-departmental Task Force on Monitoring Fuel Supply (Task Force), which was set up in response to the conflict in the Middle East region, announced rolling out the HK$3 per litre Diesel Subsidy Scheme (the Subsidy Scheme) starting from 30 April 2026 as approved by the Chief Executive earlier on. The Subsidy Scheme aims to support public and commercial vehicles and vessels, and related industries that use diesel as fuel, with its estimated expenditure at around HK$1.8 billion as approved by the Finance Committee of the LegCo earlier.

Furthermore, having considered the five principles announced earlier, in particular on the extent of the impact on society, whether adequate alternatives are available to the public, and whether the support was temporary and time-limited in nature, the Task Force recommended the provision of a fuel subsidy of HK$0.5 per litre of liquified petroleum gas (LPG) for taxis, public buses and school private light buses for a period of two months by end-May 2026, with the exact commencement date to be announced separately. The Chief Executive has accepted this recommendation from the Task Force. The total amount of expenditure for this initiative is approximately HK$38.4 million. The Government will redeploy internal resources to implement this measure.

The Government spokesman said that the fuel supply in Hong Kong remains stable. The Task Force will continue to conduct dynamic assessments, closely monitor the international situation and energy price movements, co-ordinate bureaux and departments to prepare contingency plans, formulate forward-looking strategies, and study different measures to alleviate the impact of rising oil prices on the society and people's livelihood.

The Diesel Subsidy Scheme
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Under the Subsidy Scheme, users who consume diesel locally can receive a subsidy of HK$3 per litre of diesel when they purchase diesel to make the selling price decrease by HK$3 per litre accordingly. The Subsidy Scheme does not apply to diesel used for non-local consumption, resale, and vehicles, vessels and installations of government departments. Diesel used by the two power companies (i.e. CLP Power Hong Kong Limited and the Hongkong Electric Company Limited) and Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited are also not covered by the Subsidy Scheme. The Subsidy Scheme will last for two months, starting from midnight on 30 April 2026 (Thursday) to 11.59pm on 29 June 2026 (Monday).

Implementation mechanism
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In Hong Kong, diesel is generally sold through oil companies and distributors. To ensure that eligible users can benefit as soon as practicable, the subsidy will lower the selling prices of diesel through the following two means:

1. through the sale of diesel by specified oil companies to the users at their diesel filling stations and by means of direct sales; and
2. through the sale of diesel by specified distributors to the users.

The following five specified oil companies will participate in the Subsidy Scheme (listed in no particular order):

1. Sinopec (Hong Kong)’s affiliated companies;
2. PetroChina International (Hong Kong) Corporation Limited;
3. Chevron Hong Kong Limited;
4. ExxonMobil Hong Kong Limited; and
5. Shell Hong Kong Limited.

Under the Subsidy Scheme, eligible users receive a HK$3 per litre price subsidy by either purchasing diesel from diesel filling stations operated by specified oil companies or specified distributors, or purchasing diesel from specified oil companies or specified distributors delivered for local consumption.

The specified oil companies and specified distributors must clearly indicate the subsidy arrangement and the subsidy amount of HK$3 per litre on invoices and bills issued to eligible users for their information.

Information and contact details of each specified oil companies and registered specified distributors are at the Annex. As there may be other distributors applying to become a specified distributor, the Environment and Ecology Bureau (EEB) will update the list of specified distributors at its dedicated webpage (www.eeb.gov.hk/en/energy/Diesel_Subsidy_Scheme.html) from time to time for public information.

Auditing arrangements
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In order to ensure the proper use of public funds and protect the interests of eligible users, the Government has signed agreements with each specified oil companies and specified distributors, under which responsibilities and terms have been set out on the arrangements of implementing the Subsidy Scheme. These arrangements include the Government's payment of the price difference to the specified oil companies and specified distributors; the requirement for these oil companies and distributors to maintain complete and accurate books and records; the requirement to submit reports to the Government every week, as well as the auditing arrangements upon the completion of the Subsidy Scheme. These measures are to ensure that the subsidy could lower the actual selling prices accordingly. If it is found that there is a breach to the agreement, that there are anomalies in diesel transactions, or that the subsidy may be abused, the Government has the right to refuse or withhold payment of the subsidy amount to the concerned oil company and distributor, as well as to hold them liable. Moreover, the specified oil companies and specified distributors are required to submit to the Government an Assurance Report and an Audit Report prepared by an independent auditor within three months after the end of the subsidy period.

Distributor registration arrangement
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There are some distributors in the market who purchase diesel from the specified oil companies and then sell it to the users.  The Government has established a distributor registration arrangement under the Subsidy Scheme to allow eligible users to receive the HK$3 per litre price subsidy from the specified distributors. Under this registration arrangement, distributors are required to provide the Government with their business registration details, confirm that they procure fuel directly from specified oil companies, and comply with the above auditing arrangements, to ensure that the subsidised diesel they supply to users is of known origin and traceable.

The specified distributors listed in the dedicated webpage of the Subsidy Scheme have provided information and been registered with the EEB, as well as entered into an agreement with the Government. For distributors who intend to sell subsidised diesel but have not yet been registered, please contact the EEB at diesel@eeb.gov.hk, or call the hotline at 3509 7600 to obtain a registration form, and submit the required information as soon as possible. Upon registration and verification, information of the distributors will be uploaded onto the registry of specified distributors on the Subsidy Scheme's dedicated webpage. 

The Subsidy Scheme will end after 11.59pm on 29 June 2026 (Monday). All diesel sold by the specified oil companies and specified distributors participating in the Subsidy Scheme thereafter will not receive subsidies under the Subsidy Scheme.

Supply of LPG
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Currently, the LPG supply and stock levels remain generally normal. However, as affected by the situation in the Middle East, the international LPG prices surged in April 2026. The adjusted auto-LPG ceiling prices for Hong Kong's 12 dedicated LPG filling stations will be adjusted upward effective 1 May 2026, with an increase of approximately HK$1.06 to HK$1.08 per litre. The adjusted auto-LPG ceiling prices for all dedicated LPG filling stations would range from HK$4.49 to HK$5.43 per litre. Details of the LPG international price and the auto-LPG ceiling price for each dedicated LPG filling station has been uploaded onto the website of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (www.emsd.gov.hk) and posted at dedicated LPG filling stations to enable the trades to monitor the price adjustment.

Provision of LPG fuel subsidy
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To alleviate the operating costs of local passenger transport commercial vehicles which primarily use LPG as fuel (namely taxis, public light buses and school private light buses (commonly known as nanny vans)), and reduce the pressure for fare increases, the Government will provide a fuel subsidy of HK$0.5 per litre of LPG for taxis, public light buses and school private light buses for a period of two months.

The Government expects that about 16 900 LPG (including LPG-hybrid) taxis, about 3 440 LPG public light buses (including green minibuses and red minibuses), and about 170 LPG school private light buses would benefit from the fuel subsidy. The total amount of expenditure involved is approximately HK$38.4 million. The Government will redeploy internal resources to implement this initiative.

To provide the LPG subsidy in a simple and direct manner, the oil companies will provide a discount of HK$0.5 per litre of LPG directly at LPG filling stations for all LPG (including hybrid) taxis, public light buses and school private light buses. No registration or application is required. The Government will reimburse oil companies for the actual amount of LPG subsidies provided under this initiative. The fuel subsidy is expected to be launched within May 2026, with the exact commencement date to be announced separately.

The oil companies will make appropriate arrangements and display posters at filling stations to inform taxi, public light bus and school private light bus drivers of the relevant arrangements. The Transport Department will also promote the arrangements to frontline drivers through various channels (including trade circulars).
 
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202604/29/P2026042900808.htm.

HKMA and banking sector introduce new round of measures to support SMEs

The HKMA, together with the banking sector, introduced on 29 April 2026 a new round of support measures to assist local SMEs in navigating the current fast-changing market environment. The measures were announced following a meeting held by the Taskforce on SME Lending.

Recent tensions in the Middle East have triggered significant fluctuations in international oil prices and fuelled greater uncertainties in the global economy, exacerbating the operational challenges faced by SMEs in some sectors. In the light of this, the HKMA and the banking sector are introducing a new round of measures to assist SMEs in accessing bank financing, strengthening their business resilience and accelerating their upgrade and transformation:
 
1. Increase dedicated funds set aside for SMEs: The 18 participating banks in the Taskforce have further expanded the size of dedicated funds set aside in their loan portfolio for SMEs. The total amount has increased from $370 billion in October 2024 to over $450 billion at present, demonstrating the banking sector's commitment to supporting SMEs.

2. Offer credit relief to affected sectors: Rising oil prices have significantly increased the operating costs of some SMEs, particularly those in the transport and logistics, manufacturing, and import and export sectors. The participating banks in the Taskforce will be accommodative in offering suitable credit relief to SMEs affected by oil price fluctuations, taking into account the circumstances and needs of individual customers while observing the overarching principle of prudent risk management. Such relief measures (Note 1) include flexible repayment arrangements, corresponding loan tenor extensions, and more options for trade facility extensions to alleviate corporates' cash flow pressure.  

3. Expedite the approval process for applications under the SME Financing Guarantee Scheme (SFGS): All the participating banks in the Taskforce and the HKMC Insurance Limited (HKMCI) undertake, under normal circumstances, to complete the SFGS application approval process and informing the applicant of the outcome within 30 business days after receipt of all necessary information. This aims to enhance the efficiency and transparency of the approval process, enabling customers to stay informed about their application status and make flexible planning and financial arrangements in response to market developments and operational needs (Note 2).

4. Introduce loans with flexible repayment for SMEs' transformation: Considering that SMEs may require substantial capital investment during their transformation, the participating banks in the Taskforce will introduce loan arrangements with customised, flexible repayment plans that are tailored to the specific business needs of individual SMEs (for example, partial principal repayment in the early stage of repayment or "step-up" repayment schedules) for supporting their business expansion as well as digital, intelligent and green transformation process. 

5. Deepen the use of fintech and data to assist SMEs in obtaining bank financing: The participating banks in the Taskforce are committed to further leveraging fintech and data to optimise the SME loan approval process, thereby providing customers with faster and more suitable credit solutions. Particularly, all major banks with material trade finance business will actively participate in the CargoX Pilot Programme launched by the HKMA. By connecting cargo and trade data through the Commercial Data Interchange data infrastructure and integrating trade finance automation solutions, banks can conduct credit risk assessments of the enterprises more effectively. This will, in turn, expedite the approval process and enhance SMEs', particularly importers and exporters', access to and efficiency in obtaining trade finance.

Since 2024, the HKMA and the banking sector have launched three rounds (Note 3) of SME support measures to assist SMEs in different industries to cope with uncertainties surrounding the external environment and challenges arising from economic transformation. To date, these support measures have benefitted SMEs in over 89 000 cases, involving an aggregate credit limit of more than $209 billion.   

The HKMA and the banking sector will continue to closely monitor market developments, and maintain regular communication with the commercial sector through the Taskforce to understand the needs of SMEs in different sectors and provide appropriate support, thereby promoting Hong Kong's economic growth and supporting the development and transformation of SMEs.

Background

The Taskforce on SME Lending

The Taskforce on SME Lending was jointly established by the HKMA and the Hong Kong Association of Banks (HKAB) in August 2024. Participants include representatives of the HKMA, the HKAB and 18 banks (Note 4) that are active in SME lending. The Taskforce aims to further strengthen the related work for supporting SMEs at both the individual case and the industry levels. These include handling individual cases of SMEs encountering difficulties when obtaining bank financing, working out appropriate solutions across banks and enhancing communication among the HKMA, the banking industry and the commercial sector so as to understand the financing needs of SMEs in a more timely manner and supporting SMEs' development, and upgrade and transformation.     

Note 1: The relevant measures are also applicable to taxi loans, public light bus loans and commercial vehicle loans taken out by personal customers.

Note 2: For more complex individual cases (such as cases where the submitted information is insufficient to confirm eligibility for the SFGS, including cases where the cumulative loan amount may exceed the SFGS's maximum facility limit, or cases involving higher credit or other risks etc), the banks and the HKMCI will request supplementary information as needed to complete the approval process as soon as practicable. In the event that supplementary information is required, the 30 business days count from the date the banks or the HKMCI receive all the necessary supplementary information is received by the banks or the HKMCI.

Note 3: The HKMA and the banking sector introduced nine measures and five measures in March 2024 and October 2024 respectively to support SMEs in accessing financing, and their continuous development, upgrade and transformation. Additional sector-specific measures were introduced in April 2025.
 
Note 4: Bank of China (Hong Kong), Bank of Communications (Hong Kong), Bank of East Asia, China CITIC International, China Construction Bank (Asia), Citibank, Dah Sing Bank, DBS Bank (Hong Kong), Fubon Bank (Hong Kong), Fusion Bank, Hang Seng Bank, The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia), OCBC Bank (Hong Kong), Nanyang Commercial Bank, Ping An Digital Bank, Shanghai Commercial Bank, and Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong).
 
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202604/29/P2026042900583.htm.
 

 

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