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 eco-system, with such businesses in demonstration zones to benefit from financial support.

Top-rated zones can now enjoy 30 per cent of their fixed asset investment, capped at RMB100 million (US$13.8 million/ MOP110.87 million)

Zones that are still undergoing the stage of growth are eligible for up to 20 per cent of their fixed asset investment, capped at RMB20 million yuan.

Additionally, the former zones will receive operational subsidies of up to RMB20 million yuan per year, whereas the latter are eligible to up to RMB5 million per year.

Enterprises will benefit from various subsidies to reduce operational costs – covering office space rent, cross-border network connections, property purchases.

Moreover, they can receive a one-time settlement incentive of up to RMB20 million.

To support the establishment of cross-border e-commerce service providers, subsidies of up to 5 per cent of service fees will be granted – up to a maximum of 2.5 million yuan per year.

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

In order to recognise the rising trend of live-streaming e-commerce, support measures for this field include provisions for developing live-streaming e-commerce bases.

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

Talent development is another focus of the support measures.

Collaboration between enterprises and major universities in Macau and mainland China was mentioned in the latest announcement, with e-commerce training bases eligible for a one-time subsidy of RMB500,000.

Tailored-made training programmes will be provided to attract young talent from Macau, with an annual subsidy of up to RMB1.5 million.

Up-and-coming talent who complete certified training courses and join enterprises in the cooperation zone can receive a subsidy of up to RMB2,500, which goes up to RMB4,000 for Macau locals.

To create a vibrant e-commerce atmosphere, event funding of up to RMB3 million will be provided to organisations that hold national e-commerce festivals, product selection events, and industry events that play host to at least 500 attendees.

Additionally, online and offline combined live-streaming festivals held in the cooperation zone or Macau can receive a maximum subsidy of RMB500,000 for events lasting up to three days.