Market Entry & Industry Updates
Hong Kong Signs Free Trade Agreement with Peru
On 15 November 2024, Hong Kong and Peru signed a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) during the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Lima. The agreement covers competition, intellectual property, investment, trade in goods and services, and online commerce, among other strategic areas. It grants Hong Kong enterprises access to over 150 Peruvian industries, surpassing WTO commitments. The FTA provides a stable legal framework to boost commerce, fostering opportunities for Hong Kong businesses to expand into Latin America. With bilateral trade growing steadily—merchandise at 4% annually (2019-2023) and services at 16.3% annually (2018-2022)—this partnership solidifies economic ties.
China Extends Annual Public Holiday Entitlement
Effective 1 January 2025, China’s revised Regulation on Public Holidays increases the annual public holiday entitlement from 11 to 13 days. Chinese Lunar New Year’s Eve and 2nd May (Labour Day festivities) have been added, extending the Spring Festival holiday to four days and Labour Day holiday to two days. Employers must update employee handbooks, adjust overtime pay calculations to reflect triple pay on these new holidays, and revise payroll calculations considering fewer average working days. These changes provide employees with more rest days while prompting businesses to ensure compliance with adjusted policies and legal requirements.
China Gives Green Light to Establish Wholly Foreign-Owned Hospitals
China’s new pilot work plan, effective 29 November 2024, permits wholly foreign-owned hospitals in nine key cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. This initiative aims to enhance the healthcare sector with innovative service models, cutting-edge technologies, and improved local medical capacity. Eligible investors must demonstrate expertise in hospital management and address gaps in healthcare provision. Exclusions apply to hospitals specializing in traditional Chinese medicine, psychiatric care, or high-risk procedures. By fostering foreign participation, China seeks to meet growing healthcare demands while maintaining strict oversight of ethical and medical risks in this highly regulated industry.
Amendment to CEPA Provides Enhanced Access to Mainland Markets
The Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (“CEPA”) amendment between mainland China and Hong Kong, effective 1 March 2025, expands market access for Hong Kong businesses. Covering trade in goods, services, investment, and economic cooperation, CEPA now includes liberalisation measures in sectors like construction, financial services, and tourism. Key updates include easing equity ownership limits and professional service restrictions. Hong Kong enterprises can also capitalize on premier legal and arbitration services for Mainland operations. While most measures apply nationwide, select pilot initiatives focus on the Greater Bay Area, highlighting enhanced integration and opportunities for Hong Kong-based companies in a growing market.
Shenzhen Strengthens Support for Venture Capital Ecosystem
On 24 October 2024, the Shenzhen Municipal Committee’s Office of the Financial Committee promulgated the Action Plan for Promoting High-Quality Development of Venture Capital Investment in Shenzhen (“Action Plan”). The document was released as a consultation draft, inviting public input. The deadline for feedback submission was 31 October 2024.
Key Measures Unveiled in Hong Kong 2024 Policy Address
On 16 October 2024, the HKSAR Government unveiled the highly anticipated 2024 Policy Address themed around continuous development and renewal. Accordingly, the Policy Address is titled “Reform for Enhancing Development and Building Our Future Together”.
A broad array of initiatives are presented in the Policy Address to solidify Hong Kong’s status as a leading international financial and innovation centre. New growth areas will be explored and tapped into in order to facilitate comprehensive economic and social development.
