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Budget. Live | Tobacco tax increased by 30% Chen Maobo: The impact on grassroots citizens has been considered

2023-02-22T07:49:42.997Z


[Financial Budget 2023/Electronic Consumer Coupons/Candy/Gaming Duty/Zhuzhicai/Chen Maobo/Tax Reduction/Tax Deduction/Rate Reduction/Tax Allowance] The Financial Secretary Chen Maobo will speak at 11 am today (22nd) At that time, the new


[Financial Budget 2023/Electronic Consumer Coupons/Candy/Gaming Duty/Zhuzhicai/Chen Maobo/Tax Reduction/Tax Deduction/Rate Reduction/Tax Allowance] The Financial Secretary Chen Maobo will speak at 11 am today (22nd) At that time, the new "Budget" was read out in the Legislative Council.

The government will continue to distribute consumer vouchers, but the amount will be halved from last year's 10,000 yuan to 5,000 yuan; sugar distribution measures such as tax rebates, waivers of rates, etc. will also "reduce sugar".

The authorities also "slashed" at the smokers and the Jockey Club. The former increased the tobacco tax by 30%, that is, an increase of 6 cents per cigarette; and the football betting tax collected an additional 2.4 billion yuan per year for a period of five years, or a total of 12 billion yuan.

Chen Maobo held a press conference in the afternoon to explain the content of the budget, which was broadcast live on "Hong Kong 01".


Budget|Pay Tang Lazy Bag $5,000 consumer coupons, transportation subsidy extension read clearly

[15:10] Chen Maobo held a press conference in the afternoon and pointed out that the narrowing of personal measures in the budget is due to financial considerations and the deficit in the coming year. I hope everyone will understand.

[13:15] Chen Maobo mentioned in the conclusion,

"In the past three years, everyone has lived a difficult life, and it is inevitable that there will be times of depression. As the epidemic has passed, everyone is free to travel, and large-scale events have resumed one after another. I see Many citizens became happy. The smiling faces are because people reconnect and cherish each other. This scene touched me, and thus gave birth to the "Happy Hong Kong" campaign. I hope that through colorful activities, people Everyone participates with relatives and friends and shares more happy and happy moments.

"

He also pointed out, "Happiness can be close at hand. Just like in the past few days, I have more friends who like to travel in depth in the local area. I found that Hong Kong's suburban scenery is unique and pleasant, many historical buildings are elegant in style, and I also discovered a lot of regional delicacies. Every discovery has become their happy memory. In fact, as long as you feel it with your heart, you will see that there are many places in Hong Kong that are worthy of our cherishment.”

Chen also pointed out that he has visited many foreign countries recently and received many foreign guests. He has deeply felt that there are many misunderstandings about Hong Kong by the outside world, many of which stem from biased reports on Hong Kong.

"After all, Hong Kong's exchanges with the outside world have been hindered for more than three years, and many people have not been able to come to Hong Kong in person. In the future, the work of demonstrating Hong Kong's new advantages to the outside world is very important, and in the complex and ever-changing international relations, we need more Insist on telling the real situation in Hong Kong and forging more friendships. We will do our best, and we need more attention and efforts from all walks of life. History tells us that Hong Kong people We can often turn crises into opportunities and achieve better development.”

Finally, he reiterated that "as President Xi Jinping pointed out in his important speech on July 1, the next five years will be a critical period for Hong Kong to create a new situation and achieve a new leap forward. On the new journey of rejuvenation, Hong Kong has a unique and important role and can play an irreplaceable role. I have full confidence in Hong Kong's future.

Hong Kong people have never been afraid of challenges.

Challenges lead to greater creativity and ability.

The story of Hong Kong over the past few decades has been one of overcoming one challenge after another and climbing one peak after another.

The success story of Hong Kong has always involved each of us, and we need to continue to work hard to achieve each other in the future.

Dear citizens, I can say with certainty that Hong Kong will definitely be better in the new era, new stage, and new journey!

"

Relive the complete clip of Chen Maobo reading the "Budget":


[13:10] He also pointed out that except for the deficit recorded in the 23/24 year, the remaining four years can achieve surplus.

The capital account will be in deficit from 2023/24 to 2026/27, but will be in surplus in 2027/28.

He also estimated that the operating accounts would record deficits in 2023-24 and 2024-25 and surpluses in subsequent years.

The above forecasts do not take into account tax rebates and relief measures that the government may introduce in the next four years.

He estimated that by the end of March 2028, fiscal reserves would be 983.7 billion yuan, equivalent to 25.6% of GDP, or about 14 months of government expenditure.

Chen Maobo emphasized that taking Hong Kong's financial situation in times of adversity in the past as a reference, he believes that the current level of fiscal reserves is stable.

He also suggested the establishment of an infrastructure bond scheme, and studied the opportunity for the public to participate in the subscription, so that the public can have both a "sense of participation" and a "sense of gain" in projects that support Hong Kong's long-term development.

I will submit relevant proposals to the Legislative Council in 2023-24.

He also stressed that even if there are further bond issuances in the future, he will still strive to maintain the ratio of government debt to GDP at a relatively low level. less than ten percent.

He reiterated that he will continue to abide by the fiscal discipline of living within his means, and that the proceeds from bond issuance will not be used to pay current expenditures.

Grassroots citizens watch the reading of the Budget:


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[13:05]

Chen Maobo announced the revised budget for the last fiscal year. The revised budget for revenue is 603.8 billion yuan, which is 15.7% lower than the original budget, or 112.1 billion yuan. The main reason is that the income from land prices and stamp duties are both lower than expected.

Land premium income was 71.1 billion yuan, a substantial decrease of 48.9 billion yuan from the original budget, mainly due to the fact that some land transaction prices were lower than expected and some land sales plans were cancelled.

Stamp duty revenue was 67 billion yuan, 46 billion yuan lower than the original budget, and far less than in previous years, mainly due to the weak property and stock markets and the decline in transactions.

Profits tax revenue is $162 billion, which is $5.7 billion less than the original estimate. The main reason is that the amount of provisional tax deferred has increased due to the difficult economic environment last year.

The income from salaries tax is 75.7 billion yuan, which is 200 million yuan more than the original budget, mainly due to the increase in salary levels.

He expects a comprehensive deficit of 139.8 billion yuan in 22/23, and fiscal reserves are expected to be 817.3 billion yuan at the end of March this year.

The establishment of civil servants continued to show zero growth this year. While the establishment of civil servants remained at the current level, departments promoted various new policies and measures of the government through redefining work priorities, internal deployment, streamlining procedures and improving efficiency.

He also mentioned that the major policy measures announced in the 2022 "Policy Address" will involve a total of about 27.8 billion yuan in operating expenses and 29.1 billion yuan in non-operating expenses.

The recurrent expenditure in 23/24 will increase slightly by 3.3% to 560.2 billion yuan, of which the policy areas related to people's livelihood include medical care, social welfare and education, which will total 329.4 billion yuan, accounting for 50% of the recurrent expenditure Nine.

Non-recurrent expenditures were slashed by 53% to $69.3 billion.

In 23/24, the overall government expenditure will drop by 6% to 761 billion yuan, and its proportion to the nominal GDP will drop to 25%.

In 23/24, the government will maintain the target of zero growth in the establishment of civil servants. It is estimated that by the end of March next year, the establishment of civil servants will still be about 197,000 posts.

He also announced that salaries tax and profit tax will not be adjusted, but an additional football betting tax of 2.4 billion yuan will be collected from the Jockey Club every year for a period of five years.

He also pointed out that this arrangement has fully considered the fierce external competition faced by the gaming industry in Hong Kong, and the Hong Kong Jockey Club has also promised not to reduce its commitment to local charities.

Chen Maobo also pointed out that the total revenue in 23/24 is expected to be 642.4 billion yuan.

Among them, the income and profits tax is expected to be 263.7 billion yuan, an increase of 6.4% compared with the revised budget of the previous year.

Based on the land sale plan and land supply target for the coming year, land premium revenue is expected to be 85 billion yuan, an increase of about 20% over the revised estimate for the previous year.

Stamp duty revenue is expected to be 85 billion yuan, an increase of 27% compared with the revised budget of the previous year.

Together with the 23/24 government bond issuance of about 65 billion yuan, the annual deficit is expected to be 54.4 billion yuan, and the fiscal reserve will also drop to 762.9 billion yuan, which is equivalent to 12 months of government expenditure.

Budget|Pay Tang Lazy Bag $5,000 consumer coupons, transportation subsidy extension read clearly

On February 22, 2023, Chen Maobo read out the new "Budget"


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[13:00] Chen said that additional resources will be allocated to assist preschool children with special needs (SEN), regularize "first-tier support services" and expand to nearly 900 preschool institutions, while supporting mild disabilities The "School Preschool Rehabilitation Service" for preschool children is integrated to provide comprehensive and timely support for preschool children with different levels of special needs through the interdisciplinary service team and school-based comprehensive model.

In the third quarter of this year, the "Pilot Scheme on Community Care Service Voucher for the Elderly" will be regularized. The number of beneficiaries will increase from the current 8,000 to 12,000 in 2025/26, involving an annual recurrent expenditure of about $900 million.

The government will also add 16 new Neighborhood Elderly Centers in the next five years, and expand the service scope of more than 200 district centers for the elderly and Neighborhood Elderly Centers in the fourth quarter of this year, covering retirement living planning and gerontech promotion.

The "Comprehensive Support Scheme for the Elderly Leaving Home" will be expanded from the third quarter, and the number of beneficiaries will increase from about 33,000 to 45,000 each year, of which the number of people who can be referred to home care services will increase from about 9,000 The increase to 11,000 will involve an annual recurrent expenditure of about $74 million.

Chen also pointed out that it will vigorously support "caregivers". In terms of financial assistance, starting from October this year, the government will regularize the two living allowances for low-income caregivers and increase the amount of monthly allowances. The annual expenditure involved is about 430 million Yuan.

The government will also set up a support line for caregivers in the third quarter of this year, and professional social workers will provide services such as emergency support, emotional counseling and outreach.

He also proposed to increase the tax deduction for employers to make voluntary MPF contributions for their employees aged 65 or above, from the current 100% to 200%, which not only encourages employers to continue Hiring older workers also increases retirement savings for seniors.

The 2022 Policy Address proposes to provide more incentives to encourage developers to build and operate residential care homes for the elderly in private development projects.

After review, in addition to continuing to exempt the floor area and land premium involved in these private residential care homes, the government has decided to increase the area of ​​residential care homes for the elderly that can benefit from each development project, and proposes to further exempt such floor areas from being included in the project The highest floor area that can be accommodated, hoping to increase the supply of quality private residential care homes.

The optimization measures will be rolled out in the second quarter of this year and will be reviewed after a three-year trial period.

In addition, the Development Bureau and the Labor and Welfare Bureau will formulate similar schemes for residential care homes for persons with disabilities, so as to encourage the market to provide more high-quality private care homes.

In order to encourage the public to participate in the WSD's "Installation of Individual Water Meters in Subdivided Flats Scheme", the WSD will waive the water charge deposit for each individual water meter under the scheme, and will also waive the cost of providing water meters.

Each separate water meter account will have a separate water bill for payment of water charges, and the first 12 cubic meters of free water every four months.

Budget|Career allowance will be normalized at 3,000 yuan per month from October, involving 130 million expenditures Cut the budget by 35% to 104.4 billion to push the budget for drug delivery services|Introduce a 100% guaranteed loan for the taxi industry to help car owners switch to pure electric taxis, costing 6.4 billion

[12:58]

Chen Maobo pointed out that tobacco tax accounts for 62% of the retail price, which is lower than the 75% recommended by the WHO. It is proposed to adjust the tobacco tax by 6 cents per cigarette, which means that the tax increase is about 30%.

He pointed out that the government's goal is to reduce the smoking rate in Hong Kong from 9.5% to 7.8%.

The new tobacco tax comes into effect today.

The government plans to inject 500 million yuan into the Chinese Medicine Development Fund. Starting this year, the fund will support large-scale training, research and promotion on strategic themes, and promote more projects to enhance the capabilities of the industry, including investment in Hong Kong's first medical center that is expected to start in 2025. Prepare for the service of the Chinese medicine hospital.

He also pointed out that the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau is studying to convert some of the unused floors of the Kwun Chung Municipal Building into an "urban sports and sports center" to provide venues suitable for sports such as climbing and skateboarding.

Starting from the 23/24 school year, the Vocational Training Council will launch a two-year pilot project to allow secondary school students to get in touch with vocational education early and discover their interests.

The government will regularly launch Diploma in Applied Education courses from this academic year to replace the existing Diploma Yi Jin courses, and will continue to review the implementation of the "Pilot Scheme for Applied Degree Courses" and actively study the introduction of more courses to further strengthen vocational education Progression paths at the post-secondary level.

The government will set aside $100 million to strengthen support for women's development and related work, including assisting women in the transition of the job market; providing training on caring for children or the elderly; and organizing exchange and learning activities in areas such as work-life balance and mental health

[12:55] Chen Maobo pointed out that 200 million yuan will be set aside under the new energy transportation fund to cooperate with franchised bus companies and other stakeholders to carry out tests on hydrogen fuel cell double-decker buses and heavy-duty vehicles this year, and fully test them locally The feasibility of operating in the environment.

The Government has also earmarked $350 million to subsidize the construction and trial of electric ferries and related charging facilities by ferry operators of four intra-harbour routes to test the technical and commercial feasibility of using electric ferries in the port. The trial is expected to start next year.

The government will provide a 100% guaranteed loan scheme for the taxi industry to encourage taxi owners to replace their existing taxis with pure electric taxis.

It is estimated that the total loan guarantee amount involved in the proposal will be about 6.4 billion yuan, and the details of the plan will be announced later.

He pointed out that in 23/24, an additional funding of 62 million yuan will be allocated to gradually collect food waste for more public and private establishments, including food factories, markets, hotels, large shopping malls, etc., and to expand the pilot scheme for collecting food waste in public housing estates Up to 100 buildings, covering about 150,000 residents, can not only reduce the disposal of smelly food waste in landfills, but also send food waste to organic resource recovery centers to be converted into renewable energy.

In the next two to three years, the Fisheries and Conservation Department will successively introduce concepts such as optimizing country park facilities, researching treetop adventures, and repairing wartime relics for an open museum.

Budget|Exploring the use of "Fast Speed" in Thailand to reduce airport fees to induce the opening of new routes Host land and sea carnival and gourmet market

[12:50] He also pointed out that 30 million yuan has been set aside for the Development Bureau to study and establish a building research and development and testing center, and carry out planning and preliminary design.

The center will conduct research and development, formulate standards, provide testing and issue certification for innovative materials, construction methods and technologies, etc., leading innovation in the construction industry and attracting R&D talents to develop in Hong Kong.

The center will also take advantage of Hong Kong's unique advantages to provide a platform for national construction and related product standards to be in line with the international market.

He also set aside 30 million yuan to study the construction of the first advanced construction industry building on a piece of land of about 3 hectares in Tsing Yi, conduct planning and preliminary design, and make suggestions for its operation model.

The multi-storey building in the conception can provide a site for operators to set up steel prefabrication workshops, mechanical and electrical equipment synthesis processing workshops, and prefabrication production workshops.

In addition, $15 million has been set aside to study and implement measures to strengthen the supply chain of "assembly and synthesis" components, so as to promote the new measures in the 2022 "Policy Address".

The scope of the study includes the production, delivery, storage and certification of "Assembled Synthesis" components. It will also explore the establishment of production and storage sites in the northern metropolitan area, as well as the promotion of collaboration with the Greater Bay Area and the improvement of the "Assembly Synthesis" supply chain.

[12:40] Chen Maobo pointed out that he will take the lead in consulting on the development plan and land planning layout of Xintian Science and Technology City, the flagship innovation and technology project in the region, in the second quarter, including 150 hectares of new innovation and technology land.

In addition, the first three buildings of the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park in the Lok Ma Chau Loop District will be completed successively from the end of 2024.

The first batch of new technology land formation projects in Xintian Science and Technology City will also start in the same year.

These additional space resources will help attract domestic and overseas innovation and technology companies to settle in Hong Kong.

He also pointed out that after finalizing the more detailed planning and design concepts of the artificial islands in the central waters, the government will study the appropriate financial arrangements for the artificial island project, review various financing options and their economic benefits, and discuss the most suitable plan with the society.

He also revealed that 12 residential sites will be launched in 2023/24, together with other reconstruction and railway projects, it is expected to provide 20,550 units.

The land sale plan consists of three pieces of commercial land and three pieces of industrial land, providing about 200,000 square meters of commercial floor area and 170,000 square meters of industrial floor area.

As for the "Pilot Scheme for Private Developers to Participate in the Construction of Subsidized Housing" to encourage developers to build subsidized sale flats and sell them to eligible persons at a specified discount rate from the market price, the Government is formulating the policy framework for the pilot scheme and plans to announce it later this year.

Chen also pointed out that all hot tricks in the property market will not be revoked, but the ad valorem stamp duty band will be lowered to reduce the burden on first home buyers.

The relevant adjustments will take effect immediately according to the "Public Revenue Protection Order" published in the Gazette today. It is estimated that this measure will benefit 37,000 buyers, and the government will lose about 1.9 billion yuan in revenue each year.

On February 22, 2023, Chen Maobo read out the new "Budget", and the public responded differently


[12:30] The government will formulate the "Blueprint for the Development of Literary and Creative Industries". Hong Kong will become the host city of the "Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area Cultural and Art Festival" in 2024. Chen Maobo said that he will allocate 20 million yuan to hold the art festival.

It is expected that 5,000 Hong Kong and Mainland artists and art colleagues will participate, and will attract 140,000 spectators.

He proposed to allocate a total of 135 million yuan in the five years starting from the next fiscal year to support Hong Kong performing arts groups and artists to participate in performances and creations in the Greater Bay Area. internal audience.

He also announced that he

will inject 500 million yuan into the "CreativeSmart Initiative" to support the development of Hong Kong's creative industries, encourage more cross-sector and cross-field cooperation projects with creative and cultural heritage, and support local TV stations and mainland or Asian teams Co-produce variety TV programs to enhance the influence of Hong Kong pop culture.

The Government will launch the "Fintech Internship Program for Post-secondary Students" to provide financial assistance to post-secondary students in local and Greater Bay Area areas.

Through the program, students can gain cross-border internship work experience in fintech companies in Hong Kong or the Greater Bay Area, and cultivate their interest in joining fintech careers early, thereby expanding the local fintech talent pool.

The "Pilot Scheme on Enhancing Talent Training in the Insurance and Asset and Wealth Management Industries" will be extended for three years to cultivate more talents in the industry and enhance the professional capabilities of practitioners.

The "Maritime and Air Transport Talent Training Fund" will inject 200 million yuan to strengthen talent training for the logistics industry, promote the development of high-end, high-value-added and smart logistics, and encourage the industry to cooperate with tertiary institutions and professional organizations to attract more young people to join the industry.

This year, the "Maritime Talent Training Subsidy Scheme" will be launched to provide apprenticeship opportunities for young people who aspire to join the maritime legal work, so as to train more local maritime lawyers.

The first-year quota of the "Greater Bay Area Youth Aviation Industry Internship Program" jointly launched by the Hong Kong International Aviation Academy and mainland universities will be increased from 300 to 450 to train more young people to join the aviation industry. The long-term manpower needs of the aviation industry in Hong Kong and the Mainland.

Chen Maobo described that since the launch of the "Secondary School IT Innovation Laboratory" and the "Fun and Fun IT Knowledge" program, the response has been enthusiastic, so an additional 300 million yuan will be allocated. In the next three school years, each public-funded secondary school will continue to be provided with a maximum of 100 million dollars. A subsidy of $10,000 to organize extra-curricular activities related to information technology.

The Government will cooperate with tertiary institutions to implement a two-year pilot scheme to provide on-the-job training subsidies to students of part-time degree courses related to the construction industry. It is estimated that about $100 million will be allocated.

The Government will also set aside $7 million to cooperate with the Hong Kong Institute of Construction to launch a two-year "first-hire-then-train" subsidy scheme to provide on-the-job training subsidies for students who choose to study construction safety officer courses.

Budget|Transportation subsidy extended CSSA additional half-month food and electricity subsidy of $1000 Budget|Relief of residential and non-residential property rates for the first two quarters up to 1000 per quarter Budget|Government will collect an additional 120 within 5 years Billion Football Betting Tax Jockey Club: Harm Hong Kong’s Budget|Tobacco tax will immediately increase by 30% of the retail price of cigarettes, and the price will be increased to break $70 per pack case.

Coupon|Halved $5,000 will be issued in two installments, the fastest will be in April, and $3,000 will be given first

▼The color of the cover of Chen Maobo's budget over the years▼


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[12:10] The government plans to allocate a certain percentage of the green bonds and infrastructure bonds issued by the government for investment in MPF ​​funds in the future, providing MPF scheme members with an additional investment option.

Chen Maobo pointed out that

in the next year, no less than 50 billion yuan of silver bonds and 15 billion yuan of green retail bonds will be issued. While promoting market development, it will provide citizens with investment options with stable returns.

He said that the AA will introduce a series of measures,

including reducing or exempting airport fees, providing incentives for the resumption or opening of new routes, and organizing large-scale promotional activities.

At the same time, the Government and the AA are reviewing the mid-to-long-term manpower shortage problem in the aviation industry and looking for solutions.

The Airport Authority is planning to build a new aviation business park on the airport island, and is discussing with the Zhuhai authorities the feasibility of establishing an aviation industry industrial park in Zhuhai

.

The government also intends to allow tax deduction for the purchase of aircraft and expand the types of lease contracts and the scope of leasing activities. The relevant bill will be submitted to the Legislative Council in the fourth quarter of this year.

[12:15] Chen Maobo pointed out that he is actively seeking to join the "Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement" (RCEP), so that Hong Kong can build a more complete supply chain of goods, and attract more Hong Kong companies to invest in RCEP members, driving trade in goods in the region , investment and related construction to enhance Hong Kong's status as a trade center in the region.

In order to further assist Hong Kong companies and investors in developing markets, the government will allocate a total of HK$550 million to the Trade Development Council in the five fiscal years starting from 23/24 to help Hong Kong companies grasp the "Belt and Road" initiative and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Opportunities for regional construction, as well as to explore emerging markets, and strengthen global promotion.

He also proposed to inject another 500 million yuan into the "Special Fund for Brand Development, Upgrade and Transformation, and Expansion of the Domestic Market" ("BUD Special Fund"), and at the same time launch the "BUD Special Fund" - Easy Application to speed up the approval of applications and allow more SMEs use grants to grow their businesses.

In addition, he proposed to allocate 100 million yuan to the Hong Kong Productivity Council to strengthen its services in assisting SMEs to apply for government subsidies in the next five years.

The Department of Justice will strive to implement and promote a common

online mediation platform

in the Greater Bay Area , providing people and businesses in the region with a more time-saving, convenient and cost-effective online method to resolve cross-border disputes.

▼Financial Budget.

Citizens pay attention to redistribution of consumer vouchers and how to promote tourism▼▼Financial budget.

Continue to support the grassroots ▼


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[12:00] Chen Maobo pointed out that in order to further strengthen the basic research in the fields of artificial intelligence, quantum technology and other cutting-edge technologies, and better realize the "from zero to one" basic scientific research capabilities, 3 billion yuan will be set aside to promote related construction,

especially Make use of Hong Kong's unique advantages as an international scientific research cooperation platform, introduce leading innovation and technology talents, scientific research teams and enterprises from the Mainland and around the world, and promote cross-field scientific research cooperation.

He also pointed out that the government intends to set up a Microelectronics R&D Institute (R&D Institute) to promote the development of microelectronics in Hong Kong, hoping to become a leading institution in the Asia-Pacific region to support the development of microelectronics.

The R&D Institute will also strengthen cooperation with universities, R&D centers and the industry, accelerate the transformation of scientific and technological achievements "from one to N", gather relevant domestic and overseas professionals, strengthen the cultivation of local scientific research talents, and further improve the innovation and technology ecosystem.

陳茂波指,會繼續與內地探討各項擴容增量方案和優化安排,例如優化「粵港澳大灣區跨境理財通」、債券通,以及進一步擴大滬深港通合資格證券的範圍。政府亦會研究為境外投資者提供更多風險管理產品,包括在港發行國債期貨,為香港資本市場持續注入新動力。

他亦透露,港交所經諮詢市場後,將於今年第一季實施先進科技公司上市制度,拓寬發行人上市渠道。港交所亦將於今年內就GEM提出具體改革建議。而港交所亦會與證監會探討進一步優化上市規則,包括發行人回購股票後的相關安排,稍後將對《公司條例》作出修改。

港交所亦將探討一系列優化交易機制的建議,包括探索市場在惡劣天氣下繼續運作的安排、檢視自行成交防範功能及相關限制,以便利投資者交易和配合市場發展趨勢。

陳茂波指,會在未來三年向投資推廣署提供一億元,吸引更多家族辦公室來港。財經事務及庫務局已成立督導小組,重點項目包括於三月底舉辦「裕澤香江」高峯論壇,以及為相關財富管理人員提供專門培訓。

他又指,金管局正與泰國央行合作,探討讓兩地旅客分別以香港的「轉數快」及泰國的「PromptPay」在當地付款,為旅客提供多一個安全、快捷及有效的支付選擇。

▼2022年8月7日 消費券2022第二階段首輪發放市面情況▼

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【11:45】陳茂波指,將成立「綠色科技及金融發展委員會」,邀請綠色科技、綠色金融、綠色標準認證等業界代表協助制訂行動綱領,推動香港發展為國際綠色科技及金融中心。政府將在今年年底舉辦「國際綠色科技周」,匯聚相關產業代表、企業及投資者。

他又指,會引入公司遷冊機制,便利在外地註冊的公司,特別是業務以亞太區為核心的企業,將註冊地遷至香港,善用香港的優良營商條件和專業服務。政府將於二零二三/二四年度內進行諮詢,並提交有關立法建議。

陳又指,勞福局正更新「人才清單」,以反映各個不同專業的人手需求情況,預計下月完成。勞福局亦將於今年年中開展新一輪人力資源推算,協助政府就整體人力需求制訂適切的策略。

而為進一步豐富人才庫及吸引更多新資金落戶香港,陳茂波宣布會引入新的「資本投資者入境計劃」,申請人須將一定金額的資產,投放在本地市場,但不包括物業投資。在通過審批後,便可來港居住及發展。計劃的細節將於稍後公布。

科技園公司的「科技企業投資基金」將增資四億元,幫助更多具潛質的科技初創企業。

▼財政預算案.續支援基層及一般市民▼

+6

【11:30】陳茂波指,會預留約2億元提升「智方便」平台的運作,為市民提供更方便的一站式數碼服務,改善用戶體驗。又指「智方便」的更廣泛使用,將會進一步推動「智慧政府」以至整個社會的數碼轉型。

他又建議建議電訊網絡營辦商就將來投得的無線電頻譜而須繳付的頻譜使用費,將可獲稅務扣除。

他又指,正處起始期的第三代互聯網(Web3)同樣潛力龐大,數碼港在今年初已成立Web3基地,宣布會撥款5000萬元加速推動Web3生態圈的發展,包括舉辦國際大型研討會,讓業界和企業更掌握前沿發展,推動跨界別業務合作,並舉辦更多青年工作坊。

由於虛擬資產是Web3生態圈的重要一環,下一步將成立並領導一個虛擬資產發展專責小組,成員包括相關決策局、金融監管機構,以及市場人士,就行業的可持續和負責任發展,向政府提交建議。

▼財政預算案.政府推動吸納人才▼

+6

【11:25】他又宣布,會減免100%利得稅,上限6000元,約13萬4000個企業受惠,料少收7.2億稅收。另會減免首兩季非住宅物業差餉每戶每季1000元,約43萬戶受惠,料少收7.4億稅收。

7月起,寬減現時適用於政府處所合資格租戶、地政總署轄下合資格短期租約及豁免書的百分之五十租金和費用,為期六個月至今年年底。政府收入將減少約10億元。

政府會向合資格客運營辦商和持牌旅行代理商提供百分百貸款擔保,預計一共會涉及約27億元的貸款擔保額,並有望於今年四月內推出,計劃詳情稍後公布。

他又指,寬減2022/23課稅年度百分之百的薪俸稅和個人入息課稅,上限為6000元,全港190萬名納稅人受惠。有關扣減會在2022/23課稅年度的最終應繳稅款反映。政府收入將減少85億元。

另會寬減23/24年度首兩季的差餉,住宅物業以每戶每季1000元為上限,估計涉及303萬個住宅物業,政府收入將減少52億元。

向綜援發放約半個月金額的額外款項,標準金額、高齡津貼、長者生活津貼或傷殘津貼等亦一樣,額外開支約21億2100萬元。在職家庭津貼亦會作相若安排,額外開支約1.16億元。

交通津貼亦會延至10月底,市民每月超出200元的實際公共交通開支提供三分之一的補貼,以每月500元為上限,涉及額外開支約10億8000萬元,估計每月惠及約350萬名市民。

政府亦會代參加2024年的DSE考生代交考試費,而每個合資格電力住宅用戶戶口提供1000元的電費補貼,涉及約29億元。現行向此等戶口提供每月50元的電費紓緩金計劃,將延長至2025年年底,涉及約35億元,約290萬個住宅用戶將可受惠。

2023/24課稅年度起,增加子女基本免稅額及子女出生課稅年度的額外免稅額,由現時的12萬元增至13萬元,估計將惠及32.4萬納稅人,每年稅收減少6.1億元。

【11:20】陳茂波宣布,推出「開心香港」Happy Hong Kong活動,在全港多個地區舉辦的大型「美食市集」,旅發局將在夏季籌辦以維港為舞台的大型海陸嘉年華,全球不同地方的表演團體將呈獻舞蹈、音樂、街頭表演等。

陳茂波又指,會再向合資格的18歲以上市民,派發5000元消費券,分兩期派發,最快4月先收到第一期的3000元。

▼財政預算案.2021年6月28日中醫醫院啟動儀式▼

+8

【11:15】他又指,會力吸旅客「省靚」香港招牌,包括預留一億元支持舉辦更多國際盛事,而旅發局會有逾2.5億元推廣香港,包括香港首次舉辦的「香港流行文化節」。此外,香港美酒佳餚巡禮、香港國際龍舟邀請賽、香港單車節及七人攬球賽、巴塞爾藝術節等,都會繼續舉辦。

陳茂波指,會政府會繼續與貿發局合辦年度高峯論壇,大力宣傳香港作為「一帶一路」功能平台和重要節點。並會向旅發局額外撥款約二億元,讓其加大力度爭取更多不同規模及類型的國際會議與展覽在港舉行,涵蓋金融、創科和醫學等範疇,吸引高增值旅客,令香港成為區內首選會展旅遊目的地。

金管局下月會聯同巴塞爾銀行監管委員會在港舉辦銀行監管國際會議,並正與國際清算銀行商討於下半年在港舉辦中央銀行行長會議。至於在去年十一月首辦的國際金融領袖投資峯會,今年會再度舉辦,展示香港的獨特優勢及投資環境。

【11:00】陳茂波正式於立法會宣讀新一份財政預算案。

他指今年主題是「穩中躍進 共拓繁榮新願景」,今年繼續採取「中間偏鬆姿態」,繼續是一份「赤字預算」。他指,預算有超過八成用在市民及中小企身上,照顧市民,加固復甦動力。

他又回顧2022年經濟,去年香港整體貨物出口實質顯著下跌百分之13.9,整體經濟在2022年收縮3.5%。

至於新一年的前瞻,預測今年香港經濟會明顯反彈,全年實質增長3.5%至5.5%之間,通脹率則在2.5至2.9%。

他又指,香港在2024年至2027年的經濟增長,平均每年3.7%,高於疫情前10年,每年約2.8%的增長趨勢。

▼財政預算案.煙民關注會否加煙稅▼

+3

【10:50】據政府網站,新一份預算案會分為「全速復蘇」、「高質量發展」、「創造容量」、「土地房屋」、「宜居城市」、「關愛共融」、「公共財政」等範疇。

【10:45】有消息指,政府會上調煙草稅,每支煙加稅約六毫子。

【10:30】據了解,政府會在新一份預算案,公布繼續派發消費券,但金額料只及去年一萬元的一半,即5000元。而當局亦有呼應部份政黨要求,提高與足球相關的博彩稅,至於退稅、差餉寛免等的措施,則會「減糖」。

陳茂波在FB專頁發相,指將於立法會發表新一屆政府的首份《財政預算案》,「這也是香港擺脫疫情困擾後的首份預算案,希望能在復蘇初段鞏固信心,創造條件加速向前,全力拼經濟,盡力惠民生。」

▼財政預算案.提高博彩稅與否成焦點▼

財政預算案.直播|煙草稅加三成 陳茂波:已考慮對基層市民影響財政預算案|行會明休會 周三特別會議聽取陳茂波作簡介財政預算案|聘外傭可扣稅至少5.5萬? 跨黨派支持紓緩中產壓力財政預算案|陳家強:加稅機會不大 要減「派錢」平衡開支財政預算案|社協政總請願 倡設基層生活津貼、重推「N無津貼」財政預算案|政府可否再派錢? 許正宇:經濟好轉寬鬆政策要收緊

2023年的$5,000電子消費券何時發放?

首期$3,000的電子消費券將於2023年4月向合資格市民發放,餘額$2,000會與新符合資格人士一起在年中發放。透過不同入境計劃在港居住及來港升學的合資格人士,會獲發上述總額一半,即合共$2,500的消費券。

本港近年派發的電子消費券金額是多少?

2021年電子消費券金額為$5,000,2022年為$10,000。連同2023年所發放的$5,000消費券,合資格市民合共最多可獲$20,000。

新一份財政預算案中有何減稅措施?

財政司司長陳茂波宣布,寬減2022/23課稅年度100%的薪俸稅及個人入息稅,上限為$6,000。

新一份財政預算案還有哪些派糖惠民措施?

除了寬減2022/23課稅年度100%的薪俸稅及個人入息稅外,港府將向合資格市民派發$5,000的電子消費券、寬減2023/24年度首兩季的差餉,住宅物業以每戶每季$1,000為上限,以及「公共交通費用補貼計劃」延長至今年10月等。詳情

新一份財政預算案對基層有何支援?

The Hong Kong government will provide an additional payment equivalent to half a month's allowance to applicants for CSSA, Old Age Allowance, Old Age Living Allowance or Disability Allowance, and will also provide a $1,000 electricity fee subsidy. The temporary special measures of the "Public Transport Fare Subsidy Scheme" will also extend.

Pie Candy Lazy Bag One article read clearly

What are the updates on the 2023 Transport Subsidy Measures?

As mentioned in the Budget, the temporary special measures of the "Public Transport Fare Subsidy Scheme" will also be extended for six months until the end of October 2023, providing a one-third subsidy for citizens' actual public transport expenses exceeding $200 per month. $500 per month is the cap.

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Source: hk1

All news articles on 2023-02-22

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