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.

     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.

     Following is a question by the Hon Shiu Ka-fai and a written reply by the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, in the Legislative Council today (May 14):
 
Question:
 
     Under the Hong Kong legislation, electrical products supplied in Hong Kong are required to carry a certificate of safety compliance, and energy labels are required to be shown on certain prescribed products supplied in Hong Kong. In the case of regulated electrical equipment, suppliers of such equipment are even required to register with the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) as registered suppliers and pay a recycling levy (the levy) to the EPD for the regulated electrical equipment distributed by them. However, it is learnt that quite a number of electrical products purchased online in Hong Kong through cross-border e-commerce platforms have not complied with the requirements of the aforesaid legislation, thus posing potential safety hazards to Hong Kong consumers and causing unfairness to local law-abiding merchants. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
 
(1) of the measures taken by the authorities to intercept the import of non-compliant electrical products into Hong Kong in each of the past three years;

(2) as it has been reported that some cross-border e-commerce platforms intend to set up physical shops in Hong Kong, whereby goods are displayed for customers to experience in person, and customers may conduct transactions on online platforms and have the goods delivered directly by manufacturers outside Hong Kong, whether the authorities have studied if such selling approach has circumvented the existing laws of Hong Kong or if there are grey areas; if it has studied, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;

(3) as there are views that the operation mode of offline experience mentioned in (2) may render the laws and regulations relating to electrical products in Hong Kong (including the requirements on safety specifications, energy labels and payment of the levy, etc) virtually non-existent, and seriously affect the merchants selling electrical products, whether the authorities have assessed the impact of the continuous development of this operation mode on local merchants;

(4) as it is learnt that some lawbreakers will make use of cross-border e-commerce platforms to solicit business and then arrange for non-Hong Kong residents who are not qualified as electricians in Hong Kong (commonly known as "illegal workers") for on-site installation of electrical products, whether the authorities had investigated or discovered such cases in the past three years; if so, of the details; if not, whether in-depth follow-up investigations will be conducted; and

(5) whether it will seek the advice of the Department of Justice on the importation of non-compliant electrical products into Hong Kong, and expeditiously introduce legislative amendments to plug the loopholes in the law (if any); if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
 
Reply:
 
President,

     The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) is responsible for the enforcement of the Energy Efficiency (Labelling of Products) Ordinance (Cap. 598) and the Electrical Products (Safety) Regulation (the Regulation) made under the Electricity Ordinance (Cap. 406), with a view to promoting the energy efficiency of prescribed products and ensuring the safety of household electrical products. Besides, to minimise the environmental impact of various electrical and electronic products, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) has fully implemented the Producer Responsibility Scheme on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WPRS) since 2018. The reply to the question raised by the Hon Shiu Ka-fai is as follows:
 
(1) Since 2019, a Cross-border E-commerce Working Group (the Working Group) was established under the Cooperation Arrangement on Electrical and Mechanical Products Safety and Energy Efficiency between the EMSD and the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China. The Working Group focuses on controlling the risks arisen from cross-border e-commerce platforms, including the reporting of unsafe electrical products supplied through these platforms. Upon receiving notifications, the Mainland Authority will conduct follow-up actions according to the case merits, including proactive measures like order interception and product delisting to prevent unsafe electrical products from entering Hong Kong. The EMSD also co-organises annual policy and regulation briefings with the relevant Mainland Authority to explain to cross-border e-commerce platform businesses, electrical product manufacturers, and testing personnel the relevant laws and instructions for the supply of electrical products in Hong Kong, enhancing their understanding of regulations related to exporting household electrical products to Hong Kong. To date, 12 such briefings have been conducted.
 
     Besides, the EMSD has conducted sample checks on 16 types for 180 household electrical products supplied in Hong Kong in the past three years. It also engages third party testing and certification bodies to conduct testing on the relevant safety standards. Around 160 prescribed products were also checked for compliance with the energy efficiency information on the energy label over the same period. If the relevant products are suspected to be in violation of the Regulation or the Energy Efficiency (Labelling of Products) Ordinance, the EMSD will conduct follow-up investigations.
      
     The EMSD also conducts inspections at retail stores supplying household electrical products, local e-commerce platforms, and their suppliers. Prosecutions will be carried out against non-compliant products. In the past three years, around 14 000 inspections were conducted, uncovering about 230 cases of violations of the Regulations or the Energy Efficiency (Labelling of Products) Ordinance, which have resulted in fines totalling at around $500,000.
 
(2) and (3) Regarding the situation described in question (2), the EMSD has maintained communication with cross-border e-commerce platforms in the Mainland to remind them that household electrical products supplied in Hong Kong must comply with the local legal requirements. The EMSD will continue to monitor the operations of these platforms in Hong Kong, consult the Department of Justice regarding potential violations of the Regulations and the Energy Efficiency (Labelling of Products) Ordinance, and take further actions including prosecution as necessary.
 
     Regarding the recycling levy arrangement, the EPD has noted recent operational models of certain cross-border e-commerce platform may involve the distribution or sale of regulated electrical equipment in Hong Kong. The EPD has approached the relevant platform to understand the situation and explain the relevant regulations. The platform concerned has also submitted to the EPD the applications for supplier registration endorsement of removal service plan. The EPD will continue to monitor the operational models of these platforms in Hong Kong and follow up on suspected violations.
      
     The EPD and the EMSD have established a communication mechanism since 2024 to exchange intelligence on suspected offences relating to the Regulation, the Mandatory Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme and WPRS. A joint enforcement operation was conducted in July 2024, resulting in prosecutions for violations that led to convictions and fines totalling at $22,500 in February 2025. Meanwhile, the EPD regularly inspects suppliers, sellers, and collectors under the WPRS, and has conducted over 1 600 inspections in the past three years, with summons issued to prosecute 28 non-compliant cases.
 
(4) Over the past three years, the EMSD has not received any reports on unregistered electrical workers installing household appliances arranged by cross-border e-commerce platforms. The EMSD will communicate with cross-border e-commerce platforms about the situation, and will follow up and investigate in accordance with the Electricity Ordinance as necessary.
 
(5) Having considered the relevant regulatory arrangements in other regions and the need to balance the actual enforcement situations with the prevailing business environment, the Government currently has no plan to amend the relevant regulations to cover the purchase of imported electrical products from cross-border e-commerce platforms and products imported in person. The EMSD will continue to take enforcement actions under a "risk-based" approach, and enhance public awareness of electrical products safety and energy efficiency through education and promotion. The EPD and the EMSD will continue to monitor market developments, review the implementation of the relevant regulations and enhance the enforcement arrangements in response to changing business models.

     To further promote digital inclusion and facilitate citizens in using digital government services, the Digital Policy Office (DPO) announced today (May 14) that the office has set up "iAM Smart" self-registration kiosks in its three community-based help desks under the "Smart Silver" Digital Inclusion Programme for Elders. The locations and the service hours of the three self-registration kiosks are as follows:

1. New Home Association Jockey Club Tin Shui Wai Service Centre
    Shop No.01, G/F, Yiu Shing House, Tin Yiu (1) Estate, Tin Shui Wai
    Service hours: 
    9am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm from Mondays to Saturdays;
    10am to noon and 2pm to 4pm on Sundays;
    Closed on Public Holidays.

2. Sai Kung and Tseung Kwan O Women's Association (Tsui Lam Pleasant Multi-Services Centre)
    G/F, No. 103-106, Yan Lam House, Tsui Lam Estate, Tseung Kwan O
    Service hours:
    9.30am to 1pm and 2pm to 5.30pm from Mondays to Fridays;
    9.30am to 1pm on Saturdays;
    Closed on Public Holidays.

3. Sai Kung District Community Centre
    8 Mei Yuen Street, Sai Kung
    Service hours:
    9.30am to 12.45pm and 2.15pm to 6.30pm from Mondays to Fridays;
    6.30pm to 8.45pm on Fridays;
    9.30am to 6.30pm on Saturdays;
    Closed on Public Holidays.

     Since its launch, the "Smart Silver" Digital Inclusion Programme for Elders has been providing digital training and technical support to assist the elderly in mastering digital skills. The introduction of "iAM Smart" self-registration kiosks will further enhance the function of community services and enable citizens to use public services in a more convenient manner. The operation of the "iAM Smart" self-registration kiosk is simple. Members of the public can complete the registration or upgrade to "iAM Smart+" users promptly through the kiosk, allowing them to enjoy the convenience of one-stop access to online public services, such as eTAX, Contactless e-Channel, SmartPLAY, eHealth, voter registration, and enquiries, through the "iAM Smart" mobile app. 

     "Thanks to the support of the three community-based help desks, the DPO will continue to collaborate with district organisations to arrange more self-registration kiosks at suitable locations, with the aim of benefitting more citizens," a spokesman for the DPO said.

     Members of the public can visit the "iAM Smart" thematic website (www.iamsmart.gov.hk/en/reg_location.html) to check the locations and service hours of the self-registration kiosks, and the DPO website (www.digitalpolicy.gov.hk/en/our_work/digital_government/digital_inclusion/) to learn about the details of various activities under the "Smart Silver" Digital Inclusion Programme for Elders.

      

     â€‹Following is a question by the Hon Andrew Lam and a written reply by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, in the Legislative Council today (May 14):

Question:

     The Road Traffic Legislation (Enhancing Personalised Point-to-point Transport Services) (Amendment) Bill 2023, which, among others, seeks to introduce a Taxi Fleet Regime, was passed by this Council in December 2023. Subsequently, in July last year, the Government announced that conditional grants of the Taxi Fleet Licence were issued to five applicants, requiring them to complete the gearing-up work and commence services within one year. However, it has been reported that to date no fleets have officially commenced operations and that only two fleets are operating on a trial basis. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) of the current number of taxis that each of the five fleets can provide for services; the respective difference between such numbers and the minimum number of taxis required under the Taxi Fleet Licence;

(2) whether it has reviewed the reasons why three of the taxi fleets have not yet commenced trial operations and the two fleets currently undergoing trial operations have not officially commenced operations since the issuance of the conditional grants of the Taxi Fleet Licence; of the respective expected dates for the five fleets to officially commence operations; and

(3) whether the authorities have formulated a plan to deal with situations where the aforementioned taxi fleets are unable to officially commence operations by the dates specified in the conditional grants; if so, of the details of the plan; if not, the reasons for that?

Reply:

President,

     The Government has earlier reviewed the overall operation and management of taxis, and introduced a series of measures to enhance the quality of taxi service, including the introduction of a new regulatory regime – the taxi fleet regime. With regard to the question raised by the Hon Andrew Lam, I hereby reply as follows:

(1) Upon open application and assessment by the Transport Department (TD), five operators were issued with conditional grants of the Taxi Fleet Licence in end-July 2024. The selected applicants include three urban fleets and two mixed fleets, with a fleet size of 300 to 1 000 taxis each, providing a total of over 3 500 taxis, which account for over one-sixth of the 18 163 taxis in Hong Kong and include around 300 wheelchair-accessible taxis and 1 000 premium taxis. 

     According to the conditional grants of the Taxi Fleet Licence, the five selected operators are required to complete the gearing-up work and commence service by end-July this year. At the time of service commencement, the size of each fleet shall reach at least 60 per cent of the total number of taxis committed to be deployed by such fleet.

     Among the five taxi fleets, two fleets (SynCab and Joie Taxi) have been operating on a trial basis, with a view to gaining operation experiences, collecting passenger feedback, and allowing passengers to experience their services first-hand. It is understood that SynCab and Joie have deployed around 300 taxis altogether for trial operation. The remaining three taxi fleets are fully engaged in the gearing-up work, and drivers and taxi owners are joining the fleets one after another.

(2) and (3) Since July last year, the five selected operators have been conducting gearing-up work with great endeavour, including purchasing new vehicles and carrying out modifications, installing in-vehicle technological devices for enhancement of driving safety, setting up electronic payment systems, developing and testing online hailing applications, recruiting drivers, providing training to drivers, etc.

     The TD has been holding regular meetings with the fleets to actively promote and assist their gearing-up work, while coordinating and providing support based on their needs during the preparatory stage. For example, in response to the need of various operators to acquire new models of vehicles for use as fleet taxis, the TD has, on the premise of ensuring road safety, streamlined the procedures by introducing batch applications and vehicle examinations and providing facilitating measures in respect of the vehicle examination arrangements.

     We understand that taxi fleet is a new type of service, and some taxi owners and drivers may not understand the operation of the fleets and therefore are hesitant to join the fleets. This has led to various challenges for the fleet operators in conducting the gearing-up work, for example regarding driver recruitment and engagement of taxi owners. At present, two of the fleet operators have started trial operations. Such operations not only allow these fleets to collect passenger feedback but also provide a valuable opportunity for trade members to understand the operation of fleets, which is beneficial to attracting more taxi owners and drivers to join the fleet. Additionally, it is understood that the fleet operators have implemented different measures to recruit taxi owners and drivers, such as hosting fleet introduction sessions and recruitment events, organising activities to showcase the new taxi models and new fleet management approach to taxi owners, offering referral bonuses and driving safety bonuses to drivers, and implementing flexible work schedules. We hope that the fleet operators will continue to adopt various strategies to recruit taxi owners and drivers. The TD will also maintain close communication with the fleets, and actively facilitate their completion of the gearing-up work for the commissioning of taxi fleet services by end-July this year. Furthermore, apart from the launching of the respective online booking channels by the fleets, we understand that a third-party technology provider is discussing with the fleets the launching of a centralised online hailing platform to make it more convenient for the public to book fleet taxis. The Government will continue to encourage the fleets to take forward the relevant work.

     We aim to introduce systematic management and technology-driven fleets through the taxi fleet regime, and thereby motivating the taxi trade to innovate and transform. At the same time, the Government will continue to implement other measures through a multi-pronged approach, and be determined to enhance the quality of taxi services and to promote the industry's long-term healthy development, thereby providing passengers with taxi services of better quality. These measures include the already effective Taxi-Driver-Offence Points system and the two-tier penalty system which aim to enhance the deterrent effects against the black sheep of the industry, and the legislative proposals to mandate taxis to install in-vehicle cameras, dash cameras and global navigation satellite systems in their compartments and to provide e-payment means.