Hengqin touts incentives to boost cross-border e-commerce growth

Hengqin authorities have introduced a package of measures to promote the development of the e-commerce ecosystem. Such enterprises in the demonstration zones will be eligible for financial support.

Top-rated zones can now enjoy a 30 percent fixed asset investment quota, capped at RMB 100 million (USD 13.8 million/MOP 110.87 million)

SEZs that are still in the growth phase are eligible for support of up to 20 percent of their fixed asset investments, up to RMB 20 million.

Additionally, the former zones will receive operating subsidies of up to RMB 20 million per year, while the latter zones can count on subsidies of up to RMB 5 million per year.

Businesses will be able to benefit from various subsidies that will help reduce operating costs, including rent for office space, cross-border network connections, and real estate purchases.

In addition, they can receive a one-time settlement incentive of up to RMB 20 million.

To support the emergence of cross-border e-commerce service providers, subsidies of up to 5 percent of service fees will be provided, up to a maximum of 2.5 million yuan per year.

Enterprises will also receive financial support for registering a trademark abroad, establishing independent platforms, leasing overseas warehouses, obtaining logistics insurance and establishing product selection centers for brand expansion abroad.

In order to recognize the growing trend of live streaming-based e-commerce, support measures for this area include provisions for the development of live streaming-based e-commerce bases.

Eligible bases can receive subsidies of 50 percent of their investment, up to a maximum of 3 million yuan.

Talent development is another goal of support activities.

The latest announcement mentions cooperation between enterprises and major universities in Macau and mainland China, and e-commerce training bases can count on a one-time subsidy of RMB 500,000.

To attract young talent from Macao, tailor-made training programmes will be developed, with an annual subsidy of up to RMB 1.5 million.

Young talents who complete certified training courses and join enterprises in the cooperation zone can receive a subsidy of up to RMB 2,500, and for Macao residents, the amount increases to RMB 4,000.

To create a vibrant e-commerce atmosphere, event funding of up to RMB 3 million will be provided to organizations organizing national e-commerce festivals, product selection events, and industry events with at least 500 participants.

In addition, online and offline live streaming festivals held in the Cooperation Zone or in Macau can receive a maximum subsidy of RMB 500,000 for events lasting up to three days.