TID / SUCCESS-supported Activities

I. HKPC LogTech Expo 2026

(This event will be held at InnoCentre on 29 October 2026)

This event is organised by the HKPC and funded under the “Logistics Promotion Funding Scheme” of the “Maritime and Aviation Training Fund” launched by the Transport and Logistics Bureau. SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations.

The event will spotlight key themes such as AI-driven logistics solutions, ESG and sustainable development, low-altitude economy, and smart supply chain management. With over 50 exhibitors from logistics, technology and related sectors, the event offers a prime opportunity for industry professionals to connect, collaborate and stay ahead of emerging trends.

The event will also feature nearly 10 seminars, providing actionable strategies to help businesses embrace smarter, greener operations.

More Details and Registration

II. Corporate Breakthrough in the AI Era: How Teams Stay Energized and Innovative (Online Course)

(This course will be live-streamed on 3 November 2026)

This course is offered by the HKPC. SUCCESS is one of the supporting organisations. This online course will analyse the talent strategies for enterprises in the AI ​​era and assist the participants in designing implementable AI training programs through case studies, with a view to maintaining SMEs’ energy. (This course will be conducted in Cantonese.)

More Details and Registration (in Chinese only)

III. HKTDC Entrepreneur Day 2026 – Explore Innovation and Seize Opportunities

(This event will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on 19 & 20 November 2026)

This event is organised by the HKTDC. TID is one of the Official Partners. Entrepreneur Day (E-Day) is the HKTDC’s flagship entrepreneurship event, bringing together start-ups, business leaders, investors, industry experts and aspiring entrepreneurs from around the world. This year, E-Day continues with the theme “Where Start-up Dreams Take Flight”, showcasing innovative start-up solutions alongside a diverse programme of exhibitions, seminars, pitching sessions and networking activities. E-Day 2026 will also feature the SME Tech Clinic, which connects SMEs with suitable start-up solutions to address their business needs and support growth through technology and innovation. Don’t miss this opportunity – register now to visit for free!

More Details and Registration

Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference (ALMAC) (Event)

(This event will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on 16 and 17 November 2026)

Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference (ALMAC), co-organised by the HKSARG and the HKTDC, is a flagship supply chain annual event, bringing together stakeholders along the supply chain, including air freight, maritime and logistics service providers, and shippers (brands, manufacturers, traders and distributors, etc.) from around the world, to exchange market intelligence and explore global business opportunities. (Admission fee is required. This event will be conducted in English and Putonghua with simultaneous interpretation.)

More details and Registration

HKTDC African Market Day (Seminar)

(This seminar will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on 17 November 2026)

This seminar is organised by the HKTDC. Africa’s growing economies offer exciting business opportunities across a wide range of sectors. In light of this, the HKTDC is organising the African Market Day to help SMEs grasp the latest developments in the African market, gain practical insights into market entry, and learn business expansion strategies. This event will bring together market experts, business leaders and representatives from African countries to share insights on Africa’s economic outlook, emerging opportunities and practical strategies for market entry and expansion, helping enterprises gain a deeper understanding of the African market and seize the business opportunities arising from local development. (This event will be conducted in Cantonese and Putonghua with simultaneous interpretation in English.)

More details and Registration

2026 Maker in China SME Innovation and Entrepreneurship Global Contest - Hong Kong Chapter successfully held

The 2026 Maker in China SME Innovation and Entrepreneurship Global Contest - Hong Kong Chapter (MiCHK) Final was held successfully at Cyberport on 22 October 2026. "Industrialization of Flexible, Ultrathin Diamond Wafers" by DiamNEX Limited won the Champion prize, while "NeuroHarbor-AI diagnosis and treatment platform for brain diseases" by NeuroHarbor Limited and "Embodied AI Neurorehabilitation Platform" by Sharpsight Limited won the First Runner-up and Second Runner-up prizes respectively. The three winning teams will represent the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to compete in the Global Final Contest of the Maker in China to be held in Guangzhou at the end of this year.
 
Addressing the event, the Acting Commissioner for Digital Policy, Mr Daniel Cheung, said that the MiCHK serves as an important platform for local start-ups and SMEs to showcase their innovation and technology (I&T) achievements and expand into the Mainland markets. It enables investors and enterprises from the Mainland to gain an understanding of Hong Kong's quality I&T outcomes, helping these enterprises tap into the Mainland market. He noted that in recent years, multiple shortlisted teams have successfully connected with enterprises. Among them, some teams have entered into co-operation agreements with Mainland governments, while others have attracted attention from investment funds. This has helped accelerate the commercialisation of technological outcomes, enhance brand influence, and further expand into both Mainland and overseas markets.

Mr Cheung congratulated all award-winning teams and encouraged all participating teams to leverage the various government start-up support schemes. He also urged them to focus on the Mainland market as a key development direction, seize the opportunities presented by the nation's development of new quality productive forces, and better integrate into and serve the country's overall development.

This year's competition attracted a total of 170 local innovation projects, setting an all-time high for entries. Following a preliminary screening and a semi-final held earlier, the top 10 projects advanced to the Final on 22 October 2026. The shortlisted project teams delivered live pitches to a panel of judges from various I&T fields, competing for the Champion, First Runner-up, and Second Runner-up honours. The organiser also arranged one-on-one meetings between the 10 shortlisted project teams and investors and corporate representatives from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, facilitating matchmaking discussions on financing and project co-operation.

In addition, the shortlisted teams will have the opportunity to participate in start-up incubation programmes and exhibition events, connect with Mainland investors, establish a presence in the Mainland start-up parks, and receive professional guidance to support the commercialisation of their project outcomes and market expansion. Please refer to makerinchina.hk/ for details about the entries.

With the support of the Guangzhou Municipal Industry and Information Technology Bureau, the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the People's Government of Guangzhou Municipality and the Guangzhou Municipal Huangpu District Industry and Information Technology Bureau, this is the eighth time the regional chapter has taken place in Hong Kong. The 2026 MiCHK is organised by the Digital Policy Office of the HKSARG, together with the China Centre for Promotion of SME Development of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People's Republic of China, and the China International Cooperation Association of SMEs. It is formulated by the Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited and the Angel Investment Foundation.

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202610/22/P2026102200268.htm.

Digital Policy Office attaches great importance to latest cybersecurity vulnerability and appeals to all sectors to take early action and apply patches

The Digital Policy Office (DPO) said on 22 October 2026 that it attached great importance to the critical security vulnerabilities in PHP, a web programming language widely used in backend operations of global websites. The DPO has issued Security Alert to all Government Bureaux and Departments (B/Ds) and public organisations, requesting them to conduct a comprehensive review immediately to check whether their information systems had been affected and complete all patching work as soon as possible; otherwise, the relevant systems should be temporarily taken offline or isolated to reduce the risk of malicious intrusion. Meanwhile, the DPO has completed the required patching for the web content hosting service that hosts the homepages of all B/Ds.

In addition, the DPO appeals to the public and organisations to immediately apply patches to all affected systems. The Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre (HKCERT) has issued a Security Bulletin and a media message to the public on the same day. If assistance is needed, guidance can be obtained from HKCERT via email (hkcert@hkcert.org), telephone (8105 6060) or online form.

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202610/22/P2026102200760.htm

APEC Finance Ministers' Meeting 2026 concludes successfully in Hong Kong

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Finance Ministers' Meeting (FMM) 2026 was held for the first time in the HKSAR during 20 - 21 October 2026. Representatives from the APEC member economies and international organisations gathered for the two-day meeting to discuss key issues including the global and regional macroeconomic and financial outlook, fiscal policy supporting households, digital infrastructure financing, financial access and opportunity for all, and young financial talent dialogue, with a view to strengthening economic and financial co-operation in the Asia-Pacific region.

The Minister of Finance, Mr Lan Fo'an, said at the opening ceremony that a new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation is accelerating with breakthroughs, and new development momentum is gathering. As the engine of global economic growth, the Asia-Pacific region bears greater responsibility. All parties should firmly implement the consensus reached at the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting and contribute to regional prosperity. First, strengthen macroeconomic policy dialogue and maintain regional economic and financial stability. Given the current highly uncertain international economic environment, all economies should enhance the soundness of their own macroeconomic policies while strengthening policy communication and co-ordination to prevent negative spillover effects from policy adjustments. Second, accelerate economic transformation and enhance economic resilience. All economies should seize the opportunities of digital and green transformation, promote innovative co-operation in areas such as artificial intelligence, the digital economy, and green and low-carbon development, and cultivate new growth drivers. Third, uphold development as a priority and promote shared prosperity. All economies should deepen practical co-operation in fiscal and financial fields, foster an open regional economic environment, maintain the stability and smooth flow of industrial and supply chains, and advance regional economic integration.
 
The agenda of the FMM on the first day (20 October) covered discussions on the global and regional macroeconomic and financial outlook, fiscal policies supporting households, and digital infrastructure financing. Speaking during the discussion sessions, the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, said that amid geopolitical tensions and uncertainties over trade policies, Asia-Pacific economies should strengthen co-operation to maintain the smooth flow of trade and investment, while guarding against financial risks and nurturing long-term growth drivers. He noted that economies should step up investment in technology, digital infrastructure and talent training, and promote the wider application of artificial intelligence, enabling small and medium-sized enterprises and the public to share in the benefits of technological advances. On infrastructure development, governments should provide a clear, stable and predictable policy environment and make effective use of public resources. They should also work with the business sector and multilateral development banks, leveraging financing tools such as asset securitisation to channel long-term capital into productive infrastructure projects.
 
Mr Chan said that Hong Kong would leverage its unique advantages under the "one country, two systems" principle, and make full use of its diverse financing channels and professional services as an international financial centre to serve as a "super connector" and "super value-adder". By connecting capital, technology and projects across the region, Hong Kong would work with other economies to foster more resilient, sustainable and inclusive growth, ensuring that the benefits of development translate into better livelihoods.
 
On the morning of the same day (20 October), the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) held two thematic seminars on "Fostering a digitalised, inclusive and sustainable supply chain ecosystem through finance" and "Mobilising capital for nature: scaling finance and regional cooperation across APEC" respectively. Delivering welcoming remarks at the seminars, the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, said that the seminars have brought together regulators, business leaders and experts from across the Asia-Pacific region to share their practical experience and market insights for meaningful exchanges on ways to unlock new opportunities, strengthen financial resilience, and drive sustainable growth for all. The speakers and attendants of the seminars also held in-depth discussions on the relevant topics.
 
On the evening of the same day (20 October), the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, and Mr Lan, jointly officiated at a welcome dinner for representatives of the APEC member economies and international organisations.
 
The agenda of the FMM on the second day (21 October) included discussions on advancing financial inclusion through approaches tailored to the circumstances of individual economies, and strengthening exchanges and co-operation among young financial professionals across APEC. Speaking during the discussion sessions, the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, said that the key to advancing financial inclusion was to enable individuals and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to access affordable and reliable financial services safely and conveniently. He shared Hong Kong's experience with the Commercial Data Interchange, which facilitates data sharing between businesses and banks to improve the efficiency of credit assessment and help SMEs access finance. He emphasised that consumer protection, sound data governance and clear accountability must be integral to innovation.
 
Mr Chan also expressed Hong Kong's support for continuing the Young Financial Talents Dialogue in 2027 to nurture a new generation of professionals with technical expertise, sound judgement, international perspectives and the ability to work across borders. He suggested focusing exchanges on practical policy issues, including responsible AI adoption, digital infrastructure financing and financial access, and building a lasting network among participants to promote continued learning and long-term co-operation.
 
The FMM issued the 2026 APEC Finance Ministers' Joint Statement, reaffirming the commitment to building an open, dynamic, resilient, and peaceful Asia-Pacific community by 2040 for the prosperity of all our people and future generations. The statement also noted that meaningful discussions were held on fiscal policy supporting households, digital infrastructure financing, financial access and opportunity for all, and welcomed the convening of the Young Financial Talents Dialogue, to promote the prosperity and resilience of the region.
 
At the closing session of the meeting, the Minister of Finance, Mr Lan Fo'an, said that all parties should firmly implement the consensus reached at the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, uphold multilateralism, and deepen practical co-operation in fiscal and financial affairs, with a view to contributing to regional economic and financial stability and long-term sustainable growth.
 
A press conference was also held after the meeting. Mr Lan said that, with the joint efforts of all participants and the high-quality services provided by the HKSARG, the FMM had successfully completed all agenda items and delivered a series of practical deliverables. He noted that the meeting had deepened consensus among Asia-Pacific economies in three areas, namely strengthening communication and co-ordination on macroeconomic policies to jointly respond to external risks and challenges; promoting practical financial and economic co-operation to support long-term sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region; and advancing regional economic integration and fostering an Asia-Pacific community.
 
China is the host of APEC 2026. The FMM, being hosted by the Ministry of Finance and held in Hong Kong under the arrangements and organisation of the HKSARG, is a key component among a series of APEC meetings in 2026. Through the FMM, Hong Kong has demonstrated to participating economies and the international community its comprehensive development across economic, financial, and social sectors, leveraging its distinctive advantages of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world. The FMM has also deepened co-operation with other APEC members, fully showcasing Hong Kong's role as a "super connector".
 
The APEC FMM 2026 showcased Hong Kong's unique advantages as an international financial centre, strongly supported by the Motherland and closely connected to the world, as well as its capability to host major international conferences. Hong Kong will continue to leverage its roles as a "super connector" and "super value-adder" to deepen exchanges and co-operation with APEC member economies and contribute to regional economic and financial development.
 
For relevant press release of the first day of the FMM, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202610/20/P2026102000247.htm.
 
For relevant press release of the second day of the FMM, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202610/21/P2026102100550.htm.

Eight pieces of subsidiary legislation gazetted to implement title registration system on new land

The Development Bureau (DEVB) gazetted eight pieces of subsidiary legislation on 16 October 2026, proposing to make four new pieces of subsidiary legislation under the Land Titles Ordinance (Cap. 585) (LTO), and to amend four pieces of subsidiary legislation under the Land Registration Ordinance (Cap. 128) (LRO), the High Court Ordinance (Cap. 4) and the District Court Ordinance (Cap. 336), with a view to setting out implementation details for the title registration system to be implemented on new land in the first half of next year, and aligning certain practices under the current deeds registration system with the title registration system.
            
The eight pieces of subsidiary legislation gazetted set out the operational details for the title registration system, including the requirements and procedures for applications for registration, and operational matters relating to the processing of the applications by the LR; the management of the Land Titles Indemnity Fund and the procedures for claiming indemnity; new fee items; the introduction of arrangements such as electronic applications under the current deeds registration system, bringing it in line with the title registration system; and matters relating to proceedings to be brought before the Court. These eight pieces of subsidiary legislation comprise: 

• Land Titles Regulation;
• Land Titles Indemnity Regulation;
• Land Titles (Fees and Levies) Regulation;
• Land Titles (Determination of Indemnity Cap) Notice;
• Land Registration (Amendment) Regulation 2026;
• Land Registration Fees (Amendment) Regulation 2026;
• Rules of the High Court (Amendment) Rules 2026; and
• Rules of the District Court (Amendment) Rules 2026.    

The eight pieces of subsidiary legislation were tabled at the Legislative Council (LegCo) on 21 October 2026 for negative vetting. Upon passage, certain provisions relating to electronic applications under the Land Registration (Amendment) Regulation 2026 and the Land Registration Fees (Amendment) Regulation 2026 will come into force on 4 October 2027, in tandem with the e-lodgement system. The amended LTO and other subsidiary legislation will come into operation on a date to be specified separately by the Secretary for Development in the first half of 2027.

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202610/16/P2026101600604.htm.

Auction for Che Kung Festival Fair stalls to be held on 30 October 2026

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) announced on 16 October 2026 that stalls at the 2027 Che Kung Festival (CKF) Fair will be put up for open auction on 30 October 2026 (Friday).

A spokesman for the FEHD said that the annual CKF Fair will be held for 18 consecutive days from 3 to 20 February 2027 at Chui Tin Street Soccer Pitch in Sha Tin. A total of 48 dry goods stalls will be put up for auction, with an upset price of $2,770.

The open auction will be held at the Assembly Hall, 2/F, Lai Chi Kok Government Offices, 19 Lai Wan Road, Lai Chi Kok, Kowloon, on 30 October 2026 starting from 9am until the completion of the auction.

Details of the 2027 CKF Fair, such as the public notice, the location and layout of the fair venue, commodities allowed for sale at the fair stalls, open auction arrangements and related rules, as well as a sample of the licence agreement, are available on the FEHD website (www.fehd.gov.hk). Interested bidders may visit the website or contact the FEHD's Sha Tin District Environmental Hygiene Office (2634 0134) for enquires. 

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202610/16/P2026101500177.htm.

Inland Revenue (Amendment) (Tax Deductions for Intellectual Property Expenditure) Bill 2026 gazetted

The Government published the Inland Revenue (Amendment) (Tax Deductions for Intellectual Property Expenditure) Bill 2026 (the Bill) on 16 October 2026 to suitably relax the tax deduction arrangements for relevant capital expenditure incurred by enterprises for purchasing IP rights or for the licence to use IP rights.
      
A spokesman for the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau said, "The Bill puts into effect the measure announced in the 2025-26 and 2026-27 Budgets to further enhance the tax deduction arrangements for local IP, lowering the costs of IP transactions to facilitate more IP trading activities and support the development of knowledge‑intensive industries in Hong Kong."
      
The Bill proposes to relax the IP-related tax deduction arrangements by allowing tax deductions for relevant capital expenditure incurred by enterprises in respect of the following:
      
(1) Purchase of eligible IP rights from associates: allowing tax deduction for capital expenditure incurred by enterprises for the purchase of eligible IP rights from associates, such as group affiliates, to encourage multinational enterprises to centralise their IP management in Hong Kong, and to facilitate domestic intra-group transfer and business activities; 

(2) Purchase of eligible IP rights which are used by a licensee outside Hong Kong: where the licensing income from the eligible IP rights is regarded as arising in or derived from Hong Kong under the foreign-sourced income exemption regime and is chargeable to profits tax in Hong Kong, the capital expenditure incurred for the purchase of the IP rights may also be allowed for tax deduction on a proportionate basis; and 

(3) Upfront licence fee for the use of eligible IP rights in a licensing arrangement: to further encourage IP development and commercialisation, tax deduction can be allowed for upfront licence fees incurred by enterprises for the use of eligible IP rights in a licensing arrangement. 
     ​
The amendments proposed in the Bill will apply to contracts entered into on or after 1 April 2026, for the purchase of eligible IP rights or for the licence to use eligible IP rights.
      
To safeguard Hong Kong's tax base and prevent abuse of the tax deduction arrangements, the Bill provides for a series of rigorous safeguard measures. These include introducing a main purpose test for the purchase of IP rights from associates, providing for the calculation of the deduction amount for the capital expenditure incurred for the purchase of IP rights from Hong Kong associates, and where the capital expenditure incurred for purchasing eligible IP rights from non-Hong Kong business associates or acquiring a licence from associates for the use of eligible IP rights exceeds a specified threshold, a third-party independent valuation report is required to substantiate the tax deduction claim, so as to prevent excessive tax deduction.
      
The spokesman continued, "The Government has been actively promoting the development of IP trading and financing in Hong Kong. Following the implementation of the concessionary tax rate under the 'patent box' initiative, the Bill will further enhance Hong Kong's IP tax ecosystem. The introduction of more flexible tax deduction arrangements, whilst upholding our tax principles, will incentivise more local and overseas enterprises to select Hong Kong as their preferred platform for cross-border technology transfer and IP financing, thereby bolstering Hong Kong's development into an international innovation and technology centre and a regional IP trading centre, in alignment with the National 15th Five-Year Plan."
      
The Bill was introduced into the LegCo for First Reading and Second Reading on 28 October 2026. 

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202610/16/P2026101600240.htm.

Subsidiary legislation relating to implementation of new arrangement on mutual service of judicial documents in civil and commercial proceedings gazetted

The Government published on 16 October 2026 in the Gazette the subsidiary legislation relating to the implementation of the Arrangement on Mutual Service of Judicial Documents in Civil and Commercial Proceedings between the Mainland and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (New Arrangement), namely, the Rules of the High Court (Amendment) (No. 2) Rules 2026, Rules of the District Court (Amendment) (No. 2) Rules 2026 and Matrimonial Causes (Amendment) Rules 2026. The aforesaid subsidiary legislation will come into operation on 30 March 2027.
 
The existing Arrangement for Mutual Service of Judicial Documents in Civil and Commercial Proceedings between the Mainland and Hong Kong Courts (Existing Arrangement) has been implemented for over 27 years. The volume of requests for mutual service of judicial documents between the courts of the two places has surged in recent years. To enhance the efficiency of the courts of the two places in mutual service of judicial documents, the Department of Justice (DoJ) and the Supreme People's Court (SPC) signed the New Arrangement on 20 April 2026 with a view to enhancing the mechanism for mutual service of judicial documents in civil and commercial matters between the Mainland and Hong Kong. The New Arrangement aims to further promote the alignment of mechanisms and rules between the legal systems of the two places. The above subsidiary legislation seeks to implement the New Arrangement in Hong Kong, while the SPC will promulgate judicial interpretation on the implementation of the New Arrangement in the Mainland. The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSARG) and SPC have agreed that the New Arrangement will come into force on 30 March 2027, replacing the Existing Arrangement.
  
The above subsidiary legislation was tabled at the LegCo on 21 October 2026 for negative vetting. 
 
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202610/16/P2026101600198.htm.

Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes (General) (Amendment) Regulation 2025 (Commencement) Notice gazetted

The Government published in the Gazette on 16 October 2026 the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes (General) (Amendment) Regulation 2025 (Commencement) Notice (Commencement Notice) to appoint 21 December 2026 as the day on which the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes (General) (Amendment) Regulation 2025 (L.N. 206 of 2025) (the Amendment Regulation) comes into operation.

The Amendment Regulation was enacted by the LegCo on 26 September 2025 to provide the legal basis for implementing Phase One of Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) "Full Portability", with the exact implementation date to be announced through a notice published in the Gazette. Under the Amendment Regulation, employees whose employment commences on or after 1 May 2025 (New EEs), may transfer accrued benefits derived from employer mandatory contributions in respect of the current employment in its entire amount from a contribution account of the MPF scheme participated in by the employer to a personal account of an MPF scheme of their own choice, once in every calendar year or more than once in every calendar year if the governing rules of the MPF scheme from which the accrued benefits are transferred so provide.

The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, said, "With the upcoming implementation of Phase One 'Full Portability' on 21 December (2026), we have fulfilled our commitment set out in the 2026 Policy Address to implement Phase One 'Full Portability' within 2026. This will strengthen New EEs' control over their MPF benefits, encourage them to more proactively manage their MPF investments, promote market competition, and create room for fee reductions. In relation to Phase Two 'Full Portability' which will benefit the remaining employees, we are preparing the relevant legislative proposal and will introduce an amendment bill into the LegCo by mid-2027."

The Commencement Notice was tabled before the LegCo on 21 October 2026 for the negative vetting procedure. 
 
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202610/16/P2026101500573.htm.

Government gazettes to include more endangered species on control list

The Government gazetted on 16 October 2026 the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Amendment of Schedules 1 and 3) Order 2026 (the Amendment Order) to amend Schedules 1 and 3 to the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586) (the Ordinance) so as to implement the latest list of endangered species subject to control under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The 20th meeting of the Conference of the Parties was held in November and December 2025, at which Appendices I and II to CITES were amended, updating the list of endangered species subject to control.

The Amendment Order mainly reflects the addition, removal and other changes of species listed in the Appendices to CITES, and involves a number of species of sharks, manta rays and devil rays, wood and ornamental plants, etc. Major amendments are set out in the Annex.

Under the Ordinance, except with exemptions or otherwise specified, the import, export, re-export, introduction from the sea, possession or control of specimens of scheduled species, including their parts and derivatives, are subject to licensing control. The Amendment Order was tabled at the LegCo on 21 October 2026 for negative vetting, and the new control measures will come into effect on 31 December 2026, with the effective date for some species deferred to 5 June 2027, pursuant to the decisions adopted at the 20th meeting of the Conference of the Parties. A Licence to Possess must be obtained within the three-month grace period (i.e. on or before 30 March 2027) for the possession of specimens of Appendix I species or live specimens of wild origin of Appendix II species for commercial purposes. Local trading of the listed species which were already imported legally before the implementation of the new amendments can continue under licensing control. The AFCD will introduce to relevant traders and stakeholders the details of the amendments to the Ordinance through circular letters and briefing sessions.

The spokesman reminded the public that it is illegal for any person to import, export or possess any endangered species without a required licence. Offenders are liable to a maximum penalty of a $10 million fine and imprisonment for 10 years upon conviction. The specimens will also be forfeited. For licensing requirements for the species listed on different appendices, please visit the website: www.cites.hk. For enquiries, please contact the AFCD through email (hk_cites@afcd.gov.hk) or call 1823. 
 
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202610/16/P2026101500468.htm.

HKMA announces "ART" Framework to promote responsible AI adoption

The HKMA announced on 15 October 2026 the "ART" Framework to support the responsible adoption of AI in the banking sector, fostering an AI-enabled banking ecosystem with "Accountability", "Resilience", and "Trust".
      
AI systems are becoming more autonomous, with greater access to data, tools and workflows. With the aim of supporting banks in seizing the opportunities presented by AI while maintaining robust governance and operational resilience, key initiatives under the "ART" Framework include:

• Issued the latest Supervisory Guidance for Responsible Adoption of Artificial Intelligence, drawing on insights from the second cohort of the Generative AI (GenAI) Sandbox;
• An AI training data sharing platform in collaboration with Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited (Cyberport) and the University of Hong Kong, with data quality assurance as a core design principle; and
• Further testing of agentic AI applications through the GenA.I. Sandbox++ and an upcoming discussion paper on a proposed supervisory framework for agentic A.I. governance, exploring intent-anchored accountability, a registry of material AI agents, and effective intervention mechanisms.

The HKMA co-hosted the two-day Finance+A.I. Forum with Cyberport on 15 and 16 October 15 2026, marking the successful completion of the technical trials under the second cohort of the GenAI Sandbox, which delivered positive results. Notably, more than 60 per cent of the use cases explored agentic AI, demonstrating the industry's active pursuit of advanced AI applications, such as automated planning and execution of multi-step tasks within defined boundaries and controls.
      
Deputy Chief Executive of the HKMA Mr Arthur Yuen said, "The progression from generative to agentic AI represents an important new stage of innovation for the banking sector. Under Fintech 2030, the HKMA is introducing the 'ART' Framework, which stands for 'Accountability', 'Resiliency' and 'Trust', with the aim of providing a clear foundation for banks to develop and deploy AI responsibly. By pairing innovation with clear accountability, resilient operating models and effective human oversight, banks can fully realise the benefits of AI while maintaining the trust and stability for Hong Kong's financial system."
 
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202610/15/P2026101500186.htm.

Toll rate for Central Kowloon Bypass to take effect from 6 December 2026

The Government announced on 14 October 2026 that the Central Kowloon Bypass will be fully commissioned on 6 December 2026 (Sunday), and an $8 toll will take effect from the same date. The LegCo approved in 2025 the $8 toll arrangement for all vehicles using the Central Kowloon Bypass. In this connection, the Secretary for Transport and Logistics has made the Road Tunnels (Government) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulation 2025 (Commencement) Notice (the Commencement Notice) to specify that the relevant toll provisions will come into operation from 6 December 2026. The Commencement Notice was published in the Gazette on 16 October 2026 and tabled at the LegCo for negative vetting on 21 October 2026.

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202610/14/P2026101400518.htm.

Orders on Comprehensive Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreements with six countries gazetted

The Chief Executive in Council made six Orders under the Inland Revenue Ordinance (Cap. 112) on 6 October 2026, to implement respectively the Comprehensive Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreements (CDTAs) that Hong Kong signed with Barbados, Jordan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Maldives, Norway and Rwanda. The Orders were gazetted on 16 October 2026.

"The CDTAs ensure that residents of Hong Kong and the relevant tax jurisdictions will not be subject to double taxation on the same income, and enable investors to assess more effectively the potential tax burden arising from their cross-border economic activities, thereby promoting bilateral trade and investment," a spokesman for the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau said.

The Orders were tabled at the LegCo on 21 October 2026 for negative vetting. The six CDTAs will enter into force after both Hong Kong and the relevant tax jurisdictions have completed their respective ratification procedures. Highlights of the CDTAs are set out at Annex.

Hong Kong signed the CDTAs with Maldives, Jordan, Rwanda and Norway in May, September, October and December 2025 respectively, and with the Kyrgyz Republic and Barbados in March 2026. Hong Kong has signed CDTAs with 60 jurisdictions, 15 of which were signed by the current-term Government. 
 
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202610/14/P2026101400352.htm.
 

 

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