Hong Kong, 21 February 2020 - The HKSAR Government has recently announced the setting up of the “Anti-epidemic Fund” (the Fund) to enhance Hong Kong’s capability in combating the novel coronavirus epidemic, and provide relief to enterprises and members of the public affected by the current epidemic outbreak.
For the innovation and technology (I&T) sector, the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council has approved the funding for a 6-month full rental waiver for existing tenants and start-ups in Science Park, InnoCentre and the Industrial Estates. The rental waiver will be effective from 1 April 2020 to 30 September 2020, covering incubatees, partner companies, professional services companies and merchant outlets with valid leases.
The I&T sector is facing immense challenges under the current situation. Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) has been stepping up the efforts to support the partner companies and the I&T community at large. HKSTP has granted a 6-month half rental concession to tenants starting from last October while freezing the headline rents, management fees and service charges for 2020.
Albert Wong, CEO of HKSTP, said, “We hope the relief measures will alleviate the operational pressures of our tenants and start-ups, and help retain our R&D talent and capabilities in the ecosystem. Let’s brave through the challenges together and keep up with the progress of the I&T sector by capitalizing on the core advantages of Hong Kong.”
