Author Archives: hksar gov

     A spokesman for Hong Kong Talent Engage (HKTE) said today (May 14) that HKTE continues to proactively connect enterprises with global talent for direct job matching and facilitate global talent’s pursuit of development in Hong Kong. HKTE held a two-day Global Online Career Fair last week (May 7 and 8), featuring nearly 50 renowned Hong Kong enterprises that offered over 700 quality job vacancies across sectors such as accounting, finance, consultancy services, legal compliance and engineering. The event aimed to attract talent from the Mainland and overseas who were interested in pursuing development in Hong Kong.

     The online career fair recorded over 26 000 visits in two days, with about 3 000 curricula vitae received. To facilitate connection between talent and enterprises, a one-to-one online meeting session was set up specifically at the career fair, resulting in about 4 800 direct dialogues between talent and enterprises. Participating enterprises expressed that about half of these dialogues would be taken forward.

     According to participating accounting firms, they learned through the online career fair that many international professionals were interested in coming to Hong Kong. The event effectively linked global talent with enterprises in Hong Kong, thereby enabling direct engagement, enhancing talent’s understanding of the structure and recruitment process of Hong Kong enterprises, and enhancing participating talent’s experience.

     Participating talent came from over 12 countries or regions, such as the Mainland, Singapore, India, the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States, Malaysia, France and Canada, with 62 per cent of them holding master’s degrees.

     The HKTE spokesman said that following the career fair held in Malaysia in April in collaboration with renowned enterprises in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, HKTE organised the online career fair to enable talent on the Mainland and overseas to exchange views directly with enterprises prior to relocation to Hong Kong, gain insights into Hong Kong’s job market, and reinforce their confidence in pursuing development in Hong Kong. HKTE will continue organising online career fairs tailored to different regions worldwide and professions, as well as local career programmes, to help talent secure employment in Hong Kong and create impetus for the long-term development of the city. read more

     Following is a question by the Hon Jimmy Ng and a reply by the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, in the Legislative Council today (May 14):
 
Question:
 
     It is learnt that the demand for electric vehicle (EV) charging facilities has continued to increase in recent years, and the Government will launch the Fast Charger Incentive Scheme (the Incentive Scheme) to subsidise the installation of fast charging facilities by the private sector. Furthermore, the community also hopes that more fast charging facilities can be provided in government premises. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
 
(1) given that the Government is retrofitting charging facilities for about 7 000 additional parking spaces in government premises, of the progress of the relevant works and the number of quick chargers to be retrofitted; whether it will launch a new scheme to install quick chargers in government premises; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
 
(2) given that the EV-charging at Home Subsidy Scheme (EHSS), which subsidises the installation of EV charging facilities in car parks of private housing estates, has ceased to accept applications since the end of 2023, whether the Government will make further funding injection to re-launch the EHSS; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
 
(3) whether it will increase the amount of subsidy under the Incentive Scheme to encourage commercial organisations to install fast charging facilities in districts where there are fewer EV chargers, so that chargers will be more evenly distributed among the 18 districts across the territory; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
 
Reply:
 
President,
 
     To improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions, the Government is committed to promoting the use of electric vehicles (EV). In recent years, Hong Kong has achieved remarkable results in the popularisation of EV. The number of EV was eightfold from about 14 000 five years ago to about 110 000 at the end of last year. Currently, about seven out of every 10 newly registered private cars are electric private cars (e-PC), and the growth rate is among the highest in the world.
 
     Charging network is very important in promoting the popularisation of EV. It would be most convenient for e-PC and light vehicles to be charged at the car owners’ residence, workplace, or frequently visited parking spaces. Due to their longer parking time, fast charging is not necessary. As for commercial EV, such as electric taxis, a quick or even fast charging network is necessary. As of March 2025, Hong Kong had nearly 100 000 parking spaces equipped with charging infrastructure. There are 11 180 public charging facilities, of which about 2 000 are quick or fast charging facilities. We will continue to adopt a multi-pronged approach to increase charging facilities, including converting conventional petrol filling stations (PFS) into fast charging stations or retrofitting PFS with fast charging facilities.
 
     My responses to the Hon Jimmy Ng’s three questions are as follows:
 
(1) The Chief Executive’s 2022 Policy Address proposed to provide charging facilities in 7 000 additional parking spaces in government premises. As of March 2025, 4 158 chargers have been installed. Relevant departments have reviewed the progress of the remaining works, and the target can be achieved by the end of 2025.
 
     The Government adding EV charging facilities in its car parks mainly to facilitate charging of EV parked there. Vehicles parked in car parks generally have a longer time to charge. The cost of fast chargers is much higher than that of medium chargers. To make optimal use of resources, the EV charging facilities currently added to government car parks are mainly medium chargers. Among the 4 158 chargers, there are 27 quick or fast chargers which are mainly used as pure charging spaces rather than parking spaces.
 
(2) The EV-charging at Home Subsidy Scheme (EHSS) was launched in October 2020 with two phases, with a total funding subsidy of $3.5 billion. The Environmental Protection Department completed the vetting of all applications in the first quarter of 2024, with a total of 724 applications approved. As of the end of April 2025, 42 020 parking spaces have completed the installation of EV charging infrastructure. It is expected that the number of parking spaces with installation works completed will increase to about 77 000 by the end of this year. Through the EHSS and by the end of the 2027-28 financial year, EV charging infrastructure will be installed in about 140 000 parking spaces in the carparks of existing private residential buildings or housing estates.
 
     In order to prepare for the large-scale use of EV in the future, the Government began as early as in 2011 to encourage the installation of EV charging infrastructure in parking spaces in newly built private housing estates by tightening the exemption for calculating the gross floor area of ​​buildings. To date, more than 93 700 relevant parking spaces have been approved. Together with the EHSS, it is estimated that more than 200 000 private building parking spaces will be equipped with charging infrastructure by mid-2027. As the number of EV increases, there are already services in the market to provide installation of EV charging facilities in housing estates, so there is no need to inject funds to extend the EHSS.
 
(3) There are currently 169 PFS distributed across the territories in Hong Kong, with the number in each district varying significantly. For example, there are 26 PFS in Yuen Long, the number of which is about nine times of that of Tsuen Wan of three PFS only. Hong Kong is not a large place, and today’s fuel vehicles can refuel across regions with no difficulties. For EV users, it is more practical to increase the number of charging facilities as soon as possible. Therefore, the Government’s strategy at this stage is to make the most use of the market in installing fast charging facilities as soon as possible, improve the convenience of EV users, and at the same time promote market competition to keep the price of EV charging at a reasonable level.
 
     In this regard, the Environment and Ecology Bureau has set up an interdepartmental working group to co-ordinate and resolve difficulties encountered by various parties in setting up charging facilities, with a view to expanding Hong Kong’s EV charging network as soon as possible. In addition, to help EV drivers find the most convenient location to charge their vehicles, we will provide real-time information on public charging facilities through various mobile applications.
 
     The Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address announced that the Government will earmark $300 million for a fast charging facility incentive scheme, with the target of providing 3 000 fast chargers to support some 160 000 EV additionally. It is expected that all fast chargers will be put into service gradually from 2026 to the end of 2028.
 
     We consulted the Panel on Environmental Affairs of the Legislative Council on the scheme on January 20 this year, and further optimised the scheme in response to Members’ views, including simplifying the application procedures to reduce administrative costs and shorten approval time. Under the scheme, each newly installed fast charger can receive a subsidy of $100,000, and each applicant can receive a maximum subsidy of $20 million, or subsidy for a maximum of 200 chargers. The applicants are required to arrange land and electricity supply on their own and bear the relevant costs. Subsidised fast chargers must provide electronic payment options and adopt an energy-based fee-charging mode. In addition, subsidised organisations are required to provide real-time information on the usage of relevant chargers and charging fees, and purchase public liability insurance, etc. We are now finalising the implementation details of the scheme and expect to launch and start accepting applications starting from next month.
 
     Thank you, President. read more

     The Hong Kong Space Museum will launch a new sky show, “STARMAP to the Unseen Universe”, at its Space Theatre from tomorrow (May 15), leading audiences on a journey and traversing 13.8 billion years of cosmic history in search of the universe’s origin from the Earth.

     The Milky Way Galaxy is a galaxy composed of hundreds of billions of stars. The sun is one of the stars within this massive galaxy. The show will take audiences on an adventure beyond the boundaries of the solar system, explore the spiral arms of the Milky Way, and witness the birth and death of stars. The show will also reveal the all-consuming power of a black hole and showcase the process of the collision and merging of galaxies into a larger galaxy. Audiences can also closely admire the luminous members of the Pleiades star cluster in the constellation Taurus and the Orion Nebula.

     The 28-minute show will be screened until November 14. Screening times are 3.30pm and 8pm on weekdays, and 2pm and 6.30pm on weekends and public holidays respectively. Tickets priced at $30 (front stalls) and $40 (stalls) are now available at the Hong Kong Space Museum Box Office and URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For details of the show, please visit hk.space.museum/en/web/spm/shows/sky-show/starmap.html, or call 2721 0226 for enquiries.

     The Hong Kong Space Museum, located at 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, is closed on Tuesdays (except public holidays).

            

     Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at HOFEX and ProWine Hong Kong @ HOFEX Opening Ceremony today (May 14):
 
Margaret (President and Chief Executive Officer of Informa Markets in Asia, Ms Margaret Ma Connolly), Dane (Executive Director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Mr Dane Cheng), Consuls-General, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     Good morning.
 
     It’s a real pleasure to be here with you again at the Opening Ceremony of HOFEX. I would like to extend a warm welcome to industry professionals and entrepreneurs from around the world to Hong Kong, to tap the vast opportunities in the world of food and hospitality.
 
     Just now, Margaret has given us a good glimpse of the exciting events over the next few days. From wine and craft beer to hospitality technology; from culinary competitions to coffee championships, there is something for everyone. Whether you’re here to trade, taste or toast, this is the place to be.
 
     Beyond the captivating events at HOFEX, allow me to highlight a few points why Hong Kong is the right place to be in for food and hospitality business.
 
     First, we are a free port, and proudly the freest economy in the world. Besides, we maintain one of the world’s most efficient customs clearance and logistics networks. Every day, over 1 000 flights connect us to more than 200 destinations. This city simply gives you the best connectivity to the broader market in the Asian region.
 
     For wines, we impose no duty, a policy that has been toasting success for years. Last year, we imported approximately 39 million bottles of wines and consumed some 30 million of them. Recently, we have also lowered duties on liquor. The results are encouraging. In the first four months since its implementation, the volume of liquor imports jumped by over 40 per cent, and the value doubled.
 
     At a time when some economies are raising trade barriers, Hong Kong is not just opening doors. We are opening more bottles, too.
 
     Second, Hong Kong is Asia’s culinary capital. We love good food. You may know I like talking about the 200-plus Michelin-recommended restaurants in the city. But let me tell you more: they cover cuisines from over 30 countries and regions, offering a global menu with local flair. Moreover, we invest in culinary excellence. Institutions like the Chinese Culinary Institute are training the next generation of top chefs. 
 
     Third, Hong Kong is expanding into new markets. Our ties with regions like the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), Middle East, Central Asia and Africa are strengthening. They are rich in produce and full of untapped potential. You can find their offerings in our restaurants, too.
 
     Ladies and gentlemen, Hong Kong is buzzing again. In the first four months of this year, visitor numbers grew by 10 per cent to over 16 million, with a noteworthy increase of 17 per cent in international visitors. The Government, along with the Hong Kong Tourism Board and the HKTDC (Hong Kong Trade Development Council), are organising more international events and attracting more high-value visitors. If you are thinking of extending the reach of your products and services, Hong Kong is your showroom.
 
     Come to Hong Kong, and you will find opportunities. Consider setting up a representative office, or a regional office here. Our colleagues from Invest Hong Kong, the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises, and the HKTDC are happy to support you every step of your way.
 
     To conclude, I wish you a fruitful and successful HOFEX 2025. For our overseas guests, enjoy your stay in Asia’s world city. There is a lot to discover, and even more to taste.
 
     Thank you. read more

     Following is a question by the Hon Jeffrey Lam and a reply by the Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Dr Bernard Chan, in the Legislative Council today (May 14):

Question:

     In recent years, the Government has been vigorously promoting the work on attracting enterprises and investments. It is learnt that Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) assisted a total of 539 overseas and Mainland enterprises in setting up or expanding their businesses in Hong Kong last year. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) of the number of overseas and Mainland enterprises which InvestHK has assisted in establishing a presence in Hong Kong or setting up regional headquarters in Hong Kong since January this year; the home countries of such enterprises, as well as the industries to which they belong;

(2) of the policies and measures currently put in place by the Government in respect of land, taxation, etc. to support overseas and Mainland enterprises in establishing a presence in Hong Kong; and

(3) given that the Secretary for Labour and Welfare has pointed out at a special meeting of the Finance Committee of this Council held to discuss the Estimates of Expenditure 2025-2026 that Hong Kong Talent Engage (HKTE) would provide comprehensive one-stop support to incoming talents, of the total number of applications received by HKTE since January this year; among such applications, of the areas in which support has been provided?

Reply:

President,

     After consulting the Development Bureau (DEVB), the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau, the Labour and Welfare Bureau, as well as the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES), my consolidated response to the Hon Jeffrey Lam’s question is as follows:

     InvestHK Hong Kong (InvestHK) is responsible for promoting inward direct investment to Hong Kong by attracting Mainland and overseas enterprises to set up or expand in the city. In 2024, InvestHK assisted 539 Mainland and overseas enterprises in establishing and expanding their businesses in Hong Kong, representing an increase of over 40 per cent year on year. On a pro-rata basis, the figure well exceeded the performance indicator as set out in the 2022 Policy Address by the Chief Executive. On the other hand, the number of companies in Hong Kong with overseas or Mainland parent companies in 2024 reached a record high of 9 960. It included 1 410 regional headquarters, an increase of over 5 per cent year on year.

     From January to April this year, InvestHK assisted 223 Mainland and overseas enterprises, representing an increase of 13 per cent as compared with the same period last year. These enterprises are expected to bring in direct investment of over $22.3 billion and create over 4 900 jobs within their first year of operations or expansion. Over one-fourth of these enterprises indicated their setup of international or regional headquarters in Hong Kong. The top five places of origin of those enterprises are the Mainland, the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom and Singapore; and the top five sectors are the financial services and fintech sector, family office, innovation and technology sector, tourism and hospitality sector, and consumer products sector.

     Separately, the current-term Government established OASES, which is directly under the Financial Secretary, to attract high-potential and representative strategic innovation and technology enterprises from around the globe. So far, OASES successfully attracted 84 strategic enterprises, many of which plan to establish their international or regional headquarters in Hong Kong.

     InvestHK and OASES provide Mainland and overseas enterprises with one-stop customised support services, including introducing tax regime and tax concessions of Hong Kong, assisting enterprises in identifying premises for operations, and assisting them in following up on matters relating to talent admission.

     In terms of tax policy, Hong Kong has been practicing a simple, territorial-based and low-tax regime. Hong Kong’s profits tax rates are very competitive internationally, with the first $2 million of profits of corporations taxed at the rate of 8.25 per cent, and the profits above that amount taxed at 16.5 per cent. Besides, tax types in Hong Kong are simple in that there is not any kind of capital gains tax, withholding tax on dividends or interest, estate duty, value-added tax, goods and services tax, nor digital services tax. The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has also been strategically utilising tax measures to facilitate the development of different industries. Tax concessions introduced over recent years have benefitted multiple industries or taxpayers, including the asset and wealth management industry, maritime industry, insurance industry, and taxpayers with intellectual property income.

     In terms of assisting enterprises in identifying suitable premises, given the diverse backgrounds of enterprises, InvestHK and OASES focus on understanding and catering to the different needs of individual enterprises. In respect of land supply, the DEVB has been collaborating with InvestHK and OASES to introduce to Mainland and overseas enterprises interested in setting up in Hong Kong the distribution of existing and future economic land in the territory, including how the Government will adopt an “industry-led” approach in planning strategic projects such as the Northern Metropolis (NM). In particular, as each New Development Area in the NM has its own industry positioning, the next few years will see considerable output in development land and floor space for innovation and technology and other emerging industries, as well as industries with traditional strengths, to move in. As for enterprises interested in setting up in Hong Kong and participating in the construction of buildings for industries, the DEVB will recommend development land for their consideration. It will also support relevant policy bureaux in exploring and adopting various modes of land disposal and land premium arrangements by giving consideration to restricted tender or direct land grant in addition to the traditional practice of open tender. When a project enters the design and construction stages, the DEVB will also provide one-stop services by co-ordinating with relevant departments to expedite approvals.

     Apart from focusing on attracting enterprises and investment, the current-term Government is also dedicated to attracting talents from overseas and the Mainland. Since its establishment on October 30, 2023, the Hong Kong Talent Engage (HKTE) strives to provide comprehensive one-stop support to talents. From January to April 2025, over 45 000 new applications under various talent admission schemes were received, of which over 35 000 applications were approved. The support services provided by the HKTE to incoming talents and their families include the following:

(a) Themed seminars: To cater for the needs of incoming talents, leaders from various industries and admitted talents were invited to share career information and tips on starting a business. Since its establishment and up to end-April 2025, the HKTE has organised 33 online and offline themed seminars;

(b) Job fairs: Job fairs help job-seeking talents to match with employers direct, so as to help incoming talents to look for jobs based on their skills, making better use of their professional competencies. As at end-April 2025, the HKTE has organised, co-organised and participated in 17 job fairs in total;

(c) Enquiry and support matching services: The HKTE’s online platform currently connects with about 90 designated working partners to provide talents with advice and services in respect of job matching, accommodation, education, banking and insurance services, business and corporate services, integrated settlement services as well as networking and community through online matching services. The online platform has processed over 41 000 enquiries, mainly involving matters such as talent schemes, visa and job seeking, and made around 12 000 referrals of support service requests so far;

(d) Integration activities: Participation in volunteer services allows incoming talents to strengthen their connections with the local community, thereby facilitating their better integration into local society. As at end-April 2025, the HKTE has organised, in collaboration with volunteer groups, three integration activities; and

(e) Cantonese learning classes: The classes help enhance the Cantonese speaking and listening skills of incoming talents, and assist them in understanding the local culture and customs, thereby expediting their integration into local society. As at end-April 2025, the HKTE has organised 28 Cantonese learning classes.

     The HKSAR Government will continue to make every effort to attract more enterprises and talents from the Mainland and overseas. read more