“Four-in-One” Seminar Series
The four SME centres co-organise "Four-in-One" seminar series regularly. An upcoming event under this series is listed below. Interested persons are welcome to register at the link shown therein. Admission is Free.
“SME ReachOut” Webinar Series: “Global Ready Roadmap of FUND Tech Go” - Ep. 3 - ESG Growth Engine: Funding Your Sustainable Transition for New Markets
(This webinar will be livestreamed on 23 July 2026)
This webinar series is held by the "SME ReachOut" of the HKPC. Experts are invited to analyse upgrade strategies for SMEs in three thematic episodes: “Fund, Tech and Market Expansion”, and how to utilise government funding to accelerate technology upgrades and expand into global markets. Ep. 1 - Mastering AI MarTech & Funding for Market Expansion and Ep. 2 - Cross-border E-Commerce Fast Track with AI & Funding were held on 23 April 2026 and 21 May 2026 respectively. (This series will be conducted in Cantonese.)
More Details and Registration
SUCCESS Activity
Latest Enhancement to BUD Fund (Seminar)
(This seminar will be held at Trade and Industry Tower on 29 June 2026)
This seminar is held by the "SUCCESS" of the TID.
The TID rolled out a host of enhancement measures for the Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading and Domestic Sales (BUD Fund) with effect from 15 June 2026. The enhancement measures include:
(a) expansion of the geographical scope of the BUD Fund by 20% to cover Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Egypt, Hungary, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia and Brazil;
(b) increasing the funding ceiling per “Easy BUD” application by 50% to $150,000; and
(c) providing more targeted funding support for enterprises to implement BUD Fund projects which involve artificial intelligence (AI) elements.
At the same time, the SME Export Marketing Fund would be consolidated into the BUD Fund with effect from 1 July 2026. Enterprises are encouraged to make good use of “Easy BUD” to participate in exhibitions and export marketing activities.
This seminar will familiarise SMEs with the BUD Fund, including details of the enhancement measures, practical tips in application submission, as well as introduction to different application types of BUD Fund. (This seminar will be conducted in Cantonese.)
More Details and
Registration
SUCCESS-supported Activities
I. E-commerce Innovation Expo 2026 – Expanding Brand Horizons
(This event will be held at the HKPC Building from 25 to 26 June 2026)
Supported by the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau (CEDB), this event is co-organised by the HKPC and the TID. SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations. This will be a 2-day event, focusing on SME cross-border e-commerce and enhancement of products’ value and innovation elements. It also provides SMEs with the information on Government funding schemes and assists SMEs in capacity building through showcasing technology solutions to the participants. The Expo will have curated tours of the 5 thematic zones - Cross-border E-commerce Experience, New RetailTech Application, Brand x IP Value-Added, Smart Operations and E-commerce Go-Global Support.
More Details and Registration
II. Summer TechEd Fest 2026 (Event)
(This event will be held at the HKPC Building from 3 to 4 July 2026)
This event is organised by the HKPC. SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations. The event’s theme this year is “AI for All: Co-creating a Smart Future”, focusing on promoting AI education and empowering the next generation through various activities, including AI case sharing session, 60+ EdTech activities, interactive experience zones, innovation & technology workshops and booths, as well as HKPC tour. Students, parents, educators and industry professionals are warmly invited to take part. (This event will be conducted in Cantonese.)
More Details and Registration
Intellectual Property Department: IP Training Programme “IP303 Case Sharing on Patent Box Regime”
(This course will be live-streamed and held at the VTC Tower, Wan Chai on 17 July 2026)
This intellectual property (IP) course organised by the Intellectual Property Department (IPD) is now open for registration.
“IP303 Case Sharing on Patent Box Regime” aims to equip participants with a comprehensive understanding on the tax implications and planning strategies related to IP and research and development (R&D) in Hong Kong. It will place particular emphasis on the practical case sharing and illustrative examples regarding the claiming of tax concession under the Patent Box regime. It will also introduce the patent system in Hong Kong. (The medium of instruction will be Cantonese, supplemented with English terms.)
This course is free for members of the “
IP Manager Scheme PLUS”. Enterprises registered in Hong Kong can fill out the
online form to join the Scheme for free, getting priority in course registration and special offers for their staff joining the
IP Training Programme. Participants will receive a certificate upon completion of the course.
More Details
Registration
Code of Practice in Times of Adverse Weather and “Extreme Conditions”
To ensure the safety of employees and the smooth operation of establishments and maintain good labour relations, employers should make prior work arrangements for employees for circumstances including during and after tropical cyclone, rainstorm warnings, “extreme conditions” and other adverse weather conditions, including report for duty, release from work, resumption of work, remote work (if applicable), and arrangements regarding wages and allowances, etc.
The Labour Department (LD)’s latest revised “Code of Practice in Times of Adverse Weather and 'Extreme Conditions'” (COP) sets out the relevant guidelines in a reader-friendly and concise manner, reiterating the three major principles for formulating work arrangements under adverse weather and “extreme conditions”, including formulating work arrangements in advance, giving prime consideration to employees' safety, and complying with requirements of labour legislation, and incorporating corporate examples for reference.
Details of the COP:www.labour.gov.hk/eng/public/wcp/Rainstorm.pdf
Government launches public consultation on The First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026-2030) (deadline: 14 August 2026)
The HKSARG launched on 15 June 2026 the public consultation on The First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026-2030) (Hong Kong's Five-Year Plan).
A Government spokesperson said, "Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan is a historic step with profound significance. It will provide a forward-looking, strategic and operable guiding document for Hong Kong's development during the next five years, enabling Hong Kong to proactively align with the National 15th Five-Year Plan. This will support Hong Kong's high-quality development, and at the same time help Hong Kong better integrate into and serve the overall national development.
"Hong Kong's Five-Year Plan will clearly set out Hong Kong's development vision and strategic directions for the next five years. It will cover areas such as the economy, industries, spatial planning, infrastructure, green transformation, as well as livelihood aspects including healthcare, education, housing, welfare, and elderly care, providing clear directions for Hong Kong's economic and social development in the coming five years to create a vision for the future that citizens can looking forward to.
"We invite all sectors of society and members of the public to actively participate in the public consultation and offer their views on Hong Kong's Five-Year Plan. The Government will earnestly listen to and study suggestions from all sectors, and work together to promote Hong Kong's better integration into the overall national development and build a better Hong Kong."
The public consultation will run from 15 June until 14 August 2026, lasting for two months. The Government will organise multiple consultation sessions to listen to views and suggestions on Hong Kong's Five-Year Plan from Legislative Council (LegCo) Members, representatives from different sectors as well as the general public. The Government strives to publish the formal document of Hong Kong's Five-Year Plan within the third quarter of the year.
The public consultation document is being distributed at the Home Affairs Enquiry Centres in the 18 districts starting from 15 June 2026 and has also been uploaded to the thematic website on Hong Kong's Five-Year Plan (www.HK5YPlan.gov.hk). Members of the public can submit their views via the thematic website or by email (hk5yplan@cmab.gov.hk).
Click here to view: Television Announcement in the Public Interest onpublic consultation on the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026-2030)
Click here to view: SCMA meets the media
Click here for Opening remarks by SCMA at media session
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202606/15/P2026061500227.htm.
DEVB launches Hong Kong Edition of New Engineering Contract - Professional Service Contract
The Hong Kong Edition of the New Engineering Contract (NEC) - Professional Service Contract (PSC) was officially launched on 19 June 2026 (18 June 2026, London time) at the NEC 2026 Annual Conference and Martin Barnes Awards Presentation Ceremony held in London, the United Kingdom. This is the third Hong Kong Edition of the NEC standard contract template released by the Development Bureau (DEVB), following its introduction of the Engineering and Construction Contract (ECC) and the Term Service Contract (TSC) in 2023 and 2024 respectively.
Speaking at the NEC Annual Conference, the Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), Mr Ricky Lau, said, "The official launch of the Hong Kong Edition of the NEC - PSC today (19 June 2026) extends the collaborative approach advocated by the NEC to various types of engineering professional services. This marks the availability of a complete set of localised NEC contract templates in Hong Kong, which will benefit the overall development of the local construction industry."
The PSC is applicable to the appointment of engineering consultants or professional service providers for work covering engineering feasibility studies, design, project management, contract administration, site supervision, etc. This new contract template complements those previously launched for the ECC and the TSC, allowing the NEC collaborative philosophy to be consistently implemented across all stages of project planning, design, construction and subsequent maintenance, thereby forming a comprehensive contract system that meets the needs of Hong Kong's construction industry and promotes its sustainable development.
The NEC form upholds the philosophy of collaborative partnering, incorporating contractual mechanisms such as early warning of risks, compensation and defined action timetables, allowing contractual issues to be resolved effectively and enhancing project performance. The DEVB introduced the NEC form to public works projects in 2009, and it has since been adopted in more than 850 public works contracts with a total value exceeding HK$550 billion. Public organisations such as the Airport Authority Hong Kong and the MTR Corporation Limited have also adopted this form of contract.
Separately, several NEC-based infrastructure projects of the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) competed for the Martin Barnes Awards this year. Among the approximately 80 global entries, the CEDD won five awards (see
Annex). Presented by the NEC Users' Group under the Institution of Civil Engineers of the United Kingdom, the awards recognise organisations and projects worldwide for their outstanding performance in adopting the NEC form.
For relevant press release, please visit
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202606/19/P2026061800362.htm.
New Industrialisation Elite Enterprises Nurturing Scheme now open for nominations (Deadline: 24 July 2026)
The Government announced on 18 June 2026 that the New Industrialisation Elite Enterprises Nurturing Scheme is now open for nominations. The Scheme aims to focus on supporting high-growth enterprises that contribute to the development of new industrialisation in Hong Kong, with the goal of nurturing emerging and future industry enterprises. Designated organisations (see
Annex) are invited to nominate eligible outstanding local enterprises.
The Scheme is advised by the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau and implemented by the Hong Kong New Industrialisation Development Alliance, with the HKPC as the secretariat.
An assessment committee comprising professionals and organisations from relevant fields will be formed to conduct comprehensive assessments on the nominated enterprises, and select high-growth enterprises that contribute to the development of new industrialisation in Hong Kong. Selected enterprises will be awarded the honorary title of "New Industrialisation Elite Enterprise", which enables them to more effectively access market resources and forces through the Scheme platform, and hence increases their market visibility and recognition.
The key eligibility criteria for nominated enterprises are as follows:
(1) Industry sectors: The enterprise's industry sector shall fall within life and health technology; AI and robotics; semiconductors and smart devices; digitalisation, upgrading and transformation; and future and sustainable development. Enterprises in industries with traditional strengths that leverage innovation and technology for upgrading and transformation may also be nominated if they meet the requirements;
(2) Registration and operations: The enterprise shall be registered and operating in Hong Kong for no less than two years and contribute to the local economy; and
(3) Growth potential: The enterprise shall demonstrate high growth potential with outstanding performance in research and development capabilities and growth prospects.
The HKPC will arrange a briefing session to introduce the Scheme's nomination process, assessment criteria and relevant arrangements. Details will be announced in due course.
For more information, please visit the Scheme's website (
www.nies.org.hk). For enquiries, please contact the secretariat of the Scheme (Tel: 2788 5638; email:
nies-enquiry@hkpc.org).
For relevant press release, please visit
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202606/18/P2026061800296.htm.
Hong Kong rises to rank second globally in World Competitiveness Yearbook 2026
In the latest World Competitiveness Yearbook (WCY) 2026 published by the International Institute for Management Development, Hong Kong's global competitiveness has risen for the third consecutive year, up one place to second globally this year, the highest since 2019.
Among the four competitiveness factors in the WCY 2026, Hong Kong ranks second globally in "Government efficiency" and third in "Business efficiency". Hong Kong ranks eighth and 11th globally in "Infrastructure" and "Economic performance" respectively. As regards the various competitiveness sub-factors, Hong Kong tops the rankings in "Tax policy" and "Business legislation"; ranks second globally in "Finance"; third globally in "International trade", "International investment", "Management practices" and "Education"; and fourth globally in "Public finance" and "Basic infrastructure".
A Government spokesperson said on 18 June 2026, "The WCY 2026 reaffirms Hong Kong as one of the most competitive economies in the world, and notes that Hong Kong's rise to second globally sustains the strong upward trajectory from 2024 and 2025. In the competitiveness factor 'Government efficiency' Hong Kong continues to rank second globally, reflecting the HKSARG's ongoing efforts to promote free and open, stable, predictable and business-friendly economic policies, as well as the international community's trust in Hong Kong's legal and regulatory environment. Hong Kong's 'Business efficiency' is ranked third globally, reflecting the strong support for industry development rendered by our robust financial ecosystem, as well as the seamless alignment of the city's business practices and environment with international best standards."
The spokesperson added, "Amid rapidly evolving geopolitical dynamics, Hong Kong, with its close connectivity to both the Chinese Mainland and the world under the 'one country, two systems' principle, and its sound institutions, open markets and sustained investments in innovation, has become a 'value hub' that offers both security and growth opportunities. In fact, Hong Kong continues to excel in various international rankings including those for economy, finance, and talent. The International Monetary Fund has also given positive recognition to Hong Kong in recent months, and major credit rating agencies have successively reaffirmed Hong Kong's credit ratings and 'stable' outlook. All these echo the WCY 2026 results.
"Currently, Hong Kong is formulating at full speed its first Five-Year Plan to proactively align with the National 15th Five-Year Plan. With the staunch support of our country, the HKSAR Government will work together with all sectors of society to strengthen our role and function as a 'super connector' and 'super value-adder', with a view to better integrating into and serving the overall national development, achieving our own high-quality development, creating more new room for development for our people and businesses, as well as opening up new opportunities for global investors and enterprises."
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202606/18/P2026061800331.htm.
Marine fish culture licences for operation in Cheung Sha Wan and Wong Wan fish culture zones open for applications (Deadline: 28 July 2026)
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) announced on 17 June 2026 the opening for applications for marine fish culture licences for operation in the Cheung Sha Wan and Wong Wan fish culture zones from 17 June 2026 until 28 July 2026.
An AFCD spokesman said, "To fully utilise the surplus carrying capacity of fish culture zones in Hong Kong, while encouraging technological advancement and the adoption of good practices in the mariculture industry, the AFCD plans to issue new marine fish culture licences in two fish culture zones, namely Cheung Sha Wan and Wong Wan, which have been identified to have surplus carrying capacity."
Applicants are required to submit detailed business plans explaining how their proposed mariculture operations will ensure sustainable use of the mariculture environment. New licences will include additional conditions to ensure that the operation of the fish farms complies with the intended purpose.
For details on the licence application, please visit the AFCD's webpage (www.afcd.gov.hk/english/fisheries/fish_aqu/fish_aqu_mfco/newfczmfcl2026_2.html). For enquiries, please contact the Fisheries Licensing Section at 2150 7109.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202606/17/P2026061700548.htm.
Implementation of regulatory enhancements for mediation profession to solidify HK's status as capital of mediation
The Department of Justice (DoJ) announced on 16 June 2026 that its Working Group on Mediation Regulatory System has completed its review of Hong Kong's mediation regulatory system and made seven recommendations to enhance the relevant regulatory system, strengthening the professionalism and competitiveness of Hong Kong's mediation services. The DoJ welcomed and accepted the recommendations made by the Working Group. It will actively take forward the implementation of the recommendations to solidify Hong Kong's status as the capital of mediation.
Established by the DoJ in October 2024 in line with the Chief Executive's Policy Address initiative to strengthen the regulatory system governing the accreditation and disciplinary matters of the mediation profession, the Working Group was tasked with reviewing and making recommendations to enhance the existing framework.
The Working Group completed a comprehensive review in late 2024 and, following a stakeholder consultation conducted in 2025, finalised seven recommendations, which are summarised as follows:
(1) Mediation in Hong Kong should remain as a non-licensed activity with no mandatory licensing or accreditation regime for practising as a mediator.
(2) The Hong Kong Mediation Accreditation Association Limited (HKMAAL) should remain as a private company limited by guarantee to perform its role as an industry-led mediation accreditation and regulatory body, with an enhanced role and expanded functions.
(3) The HKMAAL should be granted statutory mediator-appointing power in the absence of an agreed choice by the parties through legislative amendments.
(4) The HKMAAL should complete the review of the Hong Kong Mediation Code (Mediation Code) and going forward, take ownership and responsibility of reviewing, managing and administering the Mediation Code to provide a consistent professional standard.
(5) Promotional efforts should be made to encourage parties to adopt the Mediation Code.
(6) The HKMAAL should finalise and implement a robust complaint-handling and disciplinary framework to enforce the Mediation Code, and should take steps to publicise a database of its disciplinary findings on its website.
(7) The HKMAAL should actively participate in global discussions on dispute resolution as a representative of the Hong Kong mediation industry and foster partnerships with mediation institutions worldwide.
The full version of the final recommendations is attached in the
Annex.
For relevant press release, please visit
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202606/16/P2026061500677.htm.
Government announces review results of Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme and enhanced measures
The Government announced on 15 June 2026 the review findings and the enhanced measures of the Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme (ESLS) upon completion of the ESLS implementation review.
ESLS
Facing the challenges of an ageing population and economic transformation, the local labour force is expected to continue to shrink, and the structural challenge of a manpower mismatch will persist in the short to medium term. Having holistically examined the implementation of the ESLS and considered the results of the Manpower Projection and views of stakeholders, the Government considers that on the premise of ensuring employment priority for local workers, employers with genuine recruitment difficulties and manpower shortages should be allowed to suitably import workers to support the social and economic development of Hong Kong. Therefore, in the overall interest of society, the ESLS should continue to be implemented under the current coverage.
Enhanced measures
To better protect employment priority for local workers and sustain the manpower supply to support social and economic developments, the LD will implement the following enhanced measures under the ESLS with effect from 16 June 2026:
(i) The Government will implement a tiered vetting mechanism for labour importation after taking account of and analysing relevant factors and data, including the economic and labour market situation, the manpower supply and demand in individual sector(s) and post(s), the application and vetting situations of the ESLS and its operational experience, the proportion of imported workers to the employment population in relevant sectors and the views of stakeholders. Compared with the basic vetting requirements (Tier 1) including the manning ratio of 2:1 of full-time local employees to imported workers and a four-week local recruitment period, applications vetted under Tier 2 shall be subject to more stringent manning ratio and local open recruitment requirements, or other suitable sector-specific requirement(s).
(ii) Taking the latest situation as an example, the LD will include in the Tier 2 vetting mechanism posts in the food and beverage services sector including cook, junior cook, barbecue cook, drink maker and bar supervisor (collectively known as "posts in the production section"), as well as posts including waiter/waitress, restaurant supervisor, receptionist and cashier (collectively known as "posts in the table service section"). Employers will need to observe a more stringent manning ratio requirement of 3:1 when applying for imported workers of relevant posts, and the basis of calculating the manning ratio will change to all posts within the section. At the same time, the local recruitment period for all posts under application in these two sections will be aligned to six weeks and employers will be required to attend a job fair at a job centre assigned by the LD once every two weeks during the period.
(iii) With a view to promoting the employment of persons with disabilities, if employers employ local persons with disabilities to take up full-time jobs and apply for imported workers, the manning ratio of local employees with disabilities to imported workers will be calculated at 1:1.
(iv) Applicant employers of the ESLS must accord priority to employing qualified local workers to fill job vacancies at a salary not lower than the median monthly wage of a comparable position in the market. Employers approved to import workers must also enter into a Standard Employment Contract (SEC) with imported workers and pay a salary not lower than the median monthly wage of a comparable position. To prevent the imported workers from becoming "cheap labour" and undermining the employment opportunities of local workers, the LD will maintain the median monthly wage requirement, and continue to refine the arrangements for updating the median wage statistics to reflect the labour market situations.
(v) On the premise of maintaining the median wage requirement, the Government will raise the ceiling of the amount deductible for the accommodation cost from 10 per cent to 20 per cent of the wages (excluding overtime pay) of imported workers, or the actual cost of accommodation, whichever is the less.
(vi) On the principle that the imported workers are directly employed by the same employers for taking up the specified posts and performing specified duties in accordance with the SEC, the LD will suitably relax the workplace restriction of imported workers, allowing employers to apply to arrange for imported workers to work at business locations in no more than five administrative districts listed in the District Councils Ordinance. Employers must provide vacancies of relevant posts in those designated districts during local recruitment under the ESLS for application by local job seekers.
(vii) The LD will strengthen administrative sanctions imposed on employers with serious breaches. For a case involving more than one breach item, the period of barring the employer from participating in the ESLS will be counted cumulatively, up to a maximum of five years. To strengthen deterrence, the LD will also publish the identity of all employers who have been subject to administrative sanctions.
Implementation arrangements
Except for measure (iv) which remains the same as the current arrangement, measures (i), (ii), (iii), (vi) and (vii) above will apply to applications with the notice of preliminary screening issued by the LD on or after 16 June 2026; while applications with the previously issued notice of preliminary screening will continue to be processed according to the current vetting parameters. Measure (v) will apply to the signed SECs pursuant to the approvals-in-principle (AIPs) to import workers issued by the LD on or after 16 June 2026. Previously issued AIPs and existing employment contracts will not be affected.
The Government will continue to closely monitor the developments in the labour market, dynamically adjust the implementation arrangements of the ESLS and promptly respond to changes in labour market. Members of the public can browse the website of the ESLS (
www.labour.gov.hk/eng/plan/iwESLS.htm) for details of the above enhanced measures.
For relevant press release, please visit
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202606/15/P2026061500312.htm.
Police launch new features on "eTraffic Ticket Platform"
The Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) launched a series of new features on 15 June 2026 on the "e-Traffic Ticket Platform" ("eTTP") (www.etrafficticket.gov.hk) to facilitate members of the public and the transport sector in handling matters related to electronic traffic fixed penalty notices (FPNs).
The digitalisation of traffic FPNs and the "eTTP" have been operating smoothly since their launch in the middle of 2025. To meet the fleet management needs of the transport sector and further facilitate the handling of FPNs against illegal parking by the public, the Police have enhanced the platform system and introduced the following four new features:
(1) Introducing multiple roles
The "eTTP" has introduced multiple roles, such as "Agent", "Agency Company" and "Designated Employee" to facilitate fleet management. Registered vehicle owners or corporate account holders can authorise designated agents or employees to handle FPNs against illegal parking for vehicles under their management, enabling more effective monitoring of the FPN status of the relevant vehicles.
(2) "Vehicle-specific QR Code"
"Vehicle-specific QR Codes" can be generated for download on the "eTTP". Upon scanning the relevant QR code via the "eTTP""s mobile application, on-duty drivers can record their driving hours. If an FPN against illegal parking is issued during that period, the on-duty drivers will receive a push notification from the application, allowing them to view the details and settle fines directly.
This new feature has been integrated with the "HKeToll Commercial Vehicle Driver" mobile application QR code, which was designed by the Transport Department for taxis. By simply scanning the "Vehicle-specific QR code", on-duty drivers can activate both systems simultaneously.
(3) Application for viewing illegal parking photos
Members of the public may apply through the "eTTP" to view photos taken by police officers during the issuance of the FPNs against illegal parking.
(4) Disputing all types of traffic FPNs through the "eTTP"
In addition to existing channels, members of the public can dispute all types of traffic FPNs directly through the "eTTP" and upload supporting documents based on the circumstances of their case. As legal proceedings are involved, identity authentication and digital signing via "iAM Smart+" are required.
To allow sufficient time for members of the public to adapt to the digitalisation of traffic FPNs, the HKPF will continue to maintain the "dual track transitional arrangement" for the time being by issuing both electronic and paper FPNs simultaneously. The HKPF will monitor the implementation status to determine a timetable for full implementation of digitalisation.
The HKPF will also continue to identify and introduce more citizen-centric features to the "eTTP". For more information and relevant user guides of the new features, please visit the dedicated website of the "eTTP" or call the hotline at 181 181.
The HKPF appeals to the public with the following anti-deception tips:
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All traffic FPN SMS messages are issued under the SMS sender name "#HKPF-eTT"; any of those issued from other sender names are fraudulent;
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All traffic FPN SMS messages or emails do not contain any hyperlinks. Members of the public should stay vigilant and avoid clicking on any suspicious hyperlinks or providing any personal information; and
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The thematic portal of the "eTTP" has a domain ending with ".gov.hk". Websites that do not end with ".gov.hk" are not government websites.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202606/15/P2026061500154.htm.
Hong Kong and Cyprus enter into tax pact
The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, had a bilateral meeting with the Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to China, Ms Koula Sophianou, in Hong Kong on 12 June 2026 and signed on behalf of the HKSARG a comprehensive avoidance of double taxation agreement (CDTA) with the Government of Cyprus.
Mr Hui said, "This is the 58th CDTA that Hong Kong has concluded and also the third one this year (2026), signifying the HKSAR Government's ongoing achievements in expanding the CDTA network. To date, the current-term Government has signed 13 CDTAs. We will continue to actively seek to sign CDTAs with more tax jurisdictions to enhance the attractiveness of Hong Kong as a business and investment hub.
"This week (9 June 2026), we announced the
Action Plan to Promote the Development of Corporate Treasury Centres in Hong Kong, which sets out targeted strategies to elevate Hong Kong as a major base for corporate treasury centres. Continued expansion of our CDTA network is one of the key strategies. Going forward, we will focus on engaging economies along the Belt and Road. This will provide Hong Kong-based enterprises with greater tax certainty and avoidance of double taxation when expanding their businesses overseas."
At the meeting, Mr Hui highlighted to Ms Sophianou the advantages of Hong Kong as an international financial centre and its latest developments, including its rise to become the world's largest cross-boundary wealth management centre and the efforts made to build an international gold trading market in Hong Kong.
Mr Hui added, "Cyprus is a participant in the Belt and Road Initiative and an important trading partner of Hong Kong in Europe. This CDTA sets out the allocation of taxing rights between Hong Kong and Cyprus, which will enable investors to better assess their potential tax liabilities from cross-boundary economic activities and avoid double taxation. This will help promote bilateral trade and investment."
In accordance with this CDTA, any tax paid by Hong Kong residents in Cyprus will be allowed as a credit against the tax payable in Hong Kong in respect of the same income, subject to the provisions of the Inland Revenue Ordinance (Cap. 112) (IRO). Moreover, Cyprus' withholding tax rates for Hong Kong residents on royalties, currently at up to 10 per cent, will be reduced to 3 per cent.
The CDTA will come into force after completion of ratification procedures by both sides. In Hong Kong, the Chief Executive in Council will make an order under the IRO, which will be tabled at the LegCo for negative vetting. Details of the CDTA are available on the
Inland Revenue Department's website.
For relevant press release, please visit
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202606/12/P2026061100628.htm.
Marine Department launches two new incentive schemes in relation to green maritime fuel-related vessels to promote green transformation of shipping industry
The Marine Department (MD) announced on 12 June 2026 the launch of the Port Dues Incentive Scheme for Green Maritime Fuel-related Vessels and the Green Vessels Registration Incentive Scheme on 16 June 2026 for a period of three years, with a view to encouraging more vessels to bunker green maritime fuels in Hong Kong and accelerating the green transformation of the Hong Kong fleet.
For details of the Port Dues Incentive Scheme for Green Maritime Fuel-related Vessels and the Green Vessels Registration Incentive Scheme, please visit the MD's webpages (www.mardep.gov.hk/filemanager/en/share/forms/pdf/md558.pdf; www.mardep.gov.hk/filemanager/en/share/forms/pdf/md743.pdf). The promotional leaflets have also been uploaded onto the MD's website (www.mardep.gov.hk/filemanager/en/share/publications/pdf/materials/tis_green.pdf).
Click here for the amounts of incentives applicable to different types of ocean-going vessels (OGVs) under the Port Dues Incentive Scheme for Green Maritime Fuel-related Vessels.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202606/12/P2026061200257.htm.
Inland Revenue (Amendment) (Preferential Tax Regimes for Funds, Family-owned Investment Holding Vehicles and Carried Interest) Bill 2026 gazetted
The Government published in the Gazette on 12 June 2026 the Inland Revenue (Amendment) (Preferential Tax Regimes for Funds, Family-owned Investment Holding Vehicles and Carried Interest) Bill 2026 to enhance the preferential tax regimes for privately offered funds, family-owned investment holding vehicles (FIHVs) managed by eligible single family offices and carried interest, with a view to attracting more funds and family offices to establish a presence in Hong Kong.
The Bill covers amendments to the Inland Revenue Ordinance in areas such as: (i) expanding the definition of "fund"; (ii) expanding the scope of qualifying investments; (iii) removing the 5 per cent threshold requirement for incidental transactions; (iv) relaxing the tax exemption treatment for special purpose entities (SPEs) and family-owned SPEs; and (v) introducing a series of enhancement measures to the tax regime for carried interest. The Bill will also introduce, under the unified tax regime for funds, a tax reporting mechanism as well as economic substance requirements similar to those under the tax concession regime for FIHVs.
"Hong Kong is now the world's largest cross-boundary wealth management centre. The National 15th Five-Year Plan clearly supports Hong Kong in continuing to strengthen its functions as an international asset and wealth management (WAM) centre. In this connection, the Government has long been committed to reinforcing our leading position in this area through providing a competitive tax environment. The relevant amendments under the Bill will attract more funds and family offices to set up and operate in Hong Kong, and in turn create new opportunities for Hong Kong's WAM industry. In particular, this would help further attract private credit investment activities in the region, while complementing Hong Kong's development in areas such as digital assets and trading of precious metals and commodities," a spokesperson for the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau (FSTB) said.
The Bill will be introduced into the LegCo for first reading on 24 June 2026.
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202606/12/P2026061200200.htm.
Medical gases regulated as pharmaceutical products
The Department of Health (DH) reminded the trade that medical gases have been
regulated as pharmaceutical products starting from 14 June 2026. All companies involved in the manufacture, wholesale or retail sale of medical gases must obtain the relevant drug dealer's licence(s) in accordance with the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap. 138) in order to operate lawfully. In addition, medical gases must be registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong before they can be legally sold in Hong Kong, ensuring that the products meet the required standards of safety, efficacy and quality.
Any person who illegally possesses or sells pharmaceutical products or prescription drugs that are not registered under the Ordinance, or who operates the manufacture or wholesale of pharmaceutical products without the relevant licence, commits a criminal offence. The maximum penalty for each offence is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment upon conviction.
Drug retailers that only engage in the retail sale of medical gases that are not specified in the Poisons List under the Ordinance (such as medical oxygen), are not required to hold a retail licence.
The Board decided on 14 June 2024, that medical gases should be regulated as pharmaceutical products under the Ordinance. In addition, pharmaceutical products containing nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and nitric oxide should be regulated as prescription drugs. A two-year preparation period has been provided to the trade for obtaining the relevant licences and registering their related products.
Since 2024, the DH has maintained ongoing communication with the trade and stakeholders regarding the new regulatory arrangements, including sending letters to medical gas and pharmaceutical traders, healthcare professional organisations, healthcare facilities and other relevant stakeholders, reminding them to make early preparations. In addition, the DH has provided the pharmaceutical industry with guidelines to help them understand and comply with the relevant statutory requirements.
A list of local licensed traders dealing with medical gases and a list of medical gases registered as pharmaceutical products have been uploaded to the DH's Drug Office website. The DH reminded the industry to purchase relevant pharmaceutical products from licensed dealers in future in order to safeguard product quality and public safety.
Members of the public can visit the DH's
website for more information and frequently asked questions on the regulation of medical gases, relevant licences and application details.
For relevant press release, please visit
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202606/12/P2026061100471.htm.
Immigration Department to introduce Seamless e-Channel service
In the 2025 Policy Address, the Chief Executive proposed establishing Hong Kong's first "seamless clearance" pilot scheme at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Boundary Crossing (HKZMB Hong Kong Boundary Crossing) in the second quarter of 2026. The Immigration Department (ImmD) announced that a Seamless e-Channel service will be launched on 25 June 2026. From that date, enrolled eligible Hong Kong permanent residents will be able to enjoy "on-the-move" self-service departure clearance seamlessly by employing AI and facial recognition technology at the departure hall of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) Hong Kong Port without the need to present a Hong Kong identity card or an e-Channel QR code.
Hong Kong permanent residents aged 11 or above holding a valid smart identity card and have arrived in or departed from Hong Kong via the Passenger Clearance Building of the HZMB Hong Kong Port 10 times or more in the past 90 days are eligible to enrol in the Seamless e-Channel service. Starting from 11 June 2026, eligible Hong Kong residents can use a smartphone with biometric authentication to download the ImmD's Contactless e-Channel mobile application for enrolment. Eligible Hong Kong permanent residents aged 11 to 17 must enrol with the consent of their parent or legal guardian.
When performing departure clearance, upon entering the Seamless e-Channel, enrolled Hong Kong permanent residents only need to face forwards, pass through the Seamless e-Channel at a normal walking pace and maintain an appropriate distance from other users. The departure process is completed without the need to stop or present any travel document or e-Channel QR code.
The ImmD reminds that enrolled Hong Kong permanent residents must still carry a valid Hong Kong identity card when using the Seamless e-Channel Service. Moreover, residents can continue to use other e-Channels or traditional counters for immigration clearance.
For details of the Seamless e-Channel service, please visit the ImmD's website at
www.immd.gov.hk/sec. For enquiries, please call the enquiry hotline at 2824 6111, fax to 2877 7711 or send an email at
enquiry@immd.gov.hk.
For relevant press release, please visit
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202606/11/P2026061100230.htm.
Inland Revenue (Amendment) (Tax Concessions for Shipping-related Activities and Physical Commodity Trading) Bill 2026 gazetted
The
Inland Revenue (Amendment) (Tax Concessions for Shipping-related Activities and Physical Commodity Trading) Bill 2026 was published in the Gazette on 12 June 2026 to amend the Inland Revenue Ordinance (Cap. 112) to enhance the existing tax concessions for shipping-related activities and to introduce a new half-rate tax concession regime for physical commodity trading.
To facilitate the compliance of in-scope multinational enterprise groups with the BEPS (Base Erosion and Profit Shifting) 2.0 requirements - a new tax reform package formulated by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) - the Government proposes to introduce an additional option of a 15 per cent concessionary tax rate in the preferential tax regimes for shipping-related companies to elect on an annual basis, which will help save their compliance costs in completing the complex tax calculations under BEPS 2.0 regarding their operations in Hong Kong.
In addition, to attract commodity traders to Hong Kong to propel the maritime services sector towards a more vibrant trajectory, the Bill proposes to provide a new half-rate profits tax concession for physical commodity trading, echoing the industry's calls to strengthen the local maritime services ecosystem. The aforementioned 15 per cent concessionary tax rate option also applies to the half-rate tax concession regime for physical commodity trading.
A spokesperson for the Transport and Logistics Bureau said, "A favourable tax regime is a key factor in attracting shipping-related companies to Hong Kong. In light of changes in international tax rules, the Government has reviewed the existing tax concessions for shipping-related activities and proposed making enhancements in compliance with international tax rules, including the introduction of tax deduction arrangements in line with international standards, while ensuring that Hong Kong's preferential tax regimes for shipping-related activities maintain their competitiveness after the implementation of BEPS 2.0, thereby sustaining the development momentum of the high value-added maritime services industry in Hong Kong.
"Commodity traders form an integral part of the maritime services ecosystem and are key users of maritime services. The proposed new tax concession regime for commodity trading will give Hong Kong a distinct advantage in attracting commodity traders to set up or expand their businesses in Hong Kong, thereby injecting demand and impetus into the maritime services industry, and unlocking substantial new growth opportunities for our city in forging ahead with the vision of becoming a global maritime capital," the spokesperson added.
Since 2020, the Government has launched and been actively promoting a series of tax concessions to encourage more shipping-related companies to establish or expand their presence in Hong Kong, yielding tangible results. For the years of assessment 2020/21 to 2023/24, the number of qualifying ship lessors benefiting from the tax concessions has soared by five times.
Since the introduction of the aforementioned tax concessions, there have been new changes in the international tax landscape. In response to base erosion and profit-shifting risks arising from the digitalisation of the economy, the OECD has formulated BEPS 2.0. To implement this new tax reform package, Hong Kong has introduced the Hong Kong Minimum Top-up-Tax under the Inland Revenue Ordinance to require an in-scope multinational enterprise group to pay a top-up tax as from 2025 if the effective tax rate of the tax paid by its constituent entities in Hong Kong is less than 15 per cent.
The Bill will be introduced into the LegCo for first reading on 24 June 2026.
For relevant press release, please visit
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202606/10/P2026061000606.htm.
