The Government today (September 28) announced the launch of the Pilot Subsidy Scheme for Third-party Logistics Service Providers (Pilot Scheme) on October 12.
The $300 million Pilot Scheme, by providing financial assistance to third-party logistics service providers, aims to encourage the logistics industry to enhance productivity through the application of technology. It is expected to benefit about 300 logistics enterprises.
The Secretary for Transport and Housing, Mr Frank Chan Fan, said, "The trading and logistics industry is one of the four pillar industries in Hong Kong and has brought significant contributions to our economic development. We attach great importance to the continuing development of the logistics industry and Hong Kong's role as the regional logistics hub. The application of technology also enables the provision of different types of high value-added services by the logistics sector. I am confident that the Pilot Scheme can provide necessary support to the logistics industry, enabling it to enhance operational efficiency and to better meet its clients' needs."
The Pilot Scheme will also cover the new X-ray machines purchased between October 30, 2018, and June 30, 2021, for the purpose of setting up Regulated Air Cargo Screening Facilities. This will help the trade meet the new policy of the International Civil Aviation Organization.
All non-listed enterprises registered in Hong Kong under the Business Registration Ordinance (Chapter 310) with substantive business operations in Hong Kong in providing third-party logistics services related to either inbound or outbound cargo are eligible to apply. The subsidy will be provided on a 1:1 matching basis, i.e. the Government will cover a maximum of 50 per cent of the total approved project cost, and the enterprise has to contribute no less than 50 per cent of the total approved project cost. Each enterprise may obtain the subsidy for a maximum of four approved projects. The cumulative subsidy ceiling per enterprise is $1 million. Each subsidised project should be completed within 24 months.
The Pilot Scheme will be open for applications from October 12 onwards. Enterprises may contact the Hong Kong Productivity Council, the Implementation Partner of the Pilot Scheme, for enquiries and submission of applications (Tel: 2788 6077; email: tplsp_sec@hkpc.org). Information is also available on the Pilot Scheme's dedicated website (tplsp.hkpc.org).
Follow this news feed: East Asia