MEMBER ECONOMY - Hong Kong, China

DESCRIPTION:Hong Kong, China made a presentation introducing their network of government and quasi-government support centres for SMEs. These centers serve to look after SMEs’ needs in their establishment and operation in the form of information and advisory services of Support and Consultation Centre for SMEs (“SUCCESS”) run by the Trade and Industry Department, enhancement of business operation by the IT solution services of Hong Kong Productivity Council’s “SME One” and “Inno Space”, and market expansion by the export market-oriented services of the Hong Kong Trade and Development Council’s “SME Centre”.

DESCRIPTION:Hong Kong, China made a presentation on the economy’s support measures provided to SMEs in the creative industries, with a focus on the design sector. These include all-round support to nurture design start-ups through the Design Incubation Programme; revitalized decommissioned buildings to provide space for design studies and exhibition and art venues; and funding support through the CreateSmartInitiative to promote the development of the industries. Altogether, the support measures facilitate SMEs in the field to grow and establish their business in both locally and overseas.

DESCRIPTION:Hong Kong, China’s best practice sharing focused on support for innovative start-ups, especially Fintec start-ups. Supporting start-ups was an important part of Hong Kong, China’s drive to develop innovation and technology for the economy. A broad range of measures were adopted such as enhancing existing start-up incubation programmes, introducing new programmes, reducing general and specific taxes, and improving SME funding schemes to enable start-ups to benefit as well.