Your Hong Kong Update Special, 29 April 2020
Relief Measures and Funding Schemes in Hong Kong
The Government of the Hong Kong S.A.R. is sparing no efforts in fighting the virus. You can find the latest updates, health tips and precautionary measures on this website. The HK Government is actively and continuously supporting businesses and employees through a package of measures to help manage the impact of Covid-19. A summary of these updated relief measures can be found here. You may also find information about the main funding and support schemes that might be relevant to your business here. The above links will always contain the latest information.
Relief Measures and Funding Schemes in the Netherlands
The Dutch Government is totally committed to fighting and containing Covid-19. All the information regarding the virus in the Netherlands can be consulted here (in Dutch). On this website you can find all the reliable information regarding the prevention and containment measures of the new coronavirus, as well as support to citizens, families and businesses in combating the effects caused by COVID-19. On these platforms you will find, among others, the exceptional measures, the recommendations of the authorities, practical advice, and financial support schemes in place.
Innovative Hong Kong Stories Worth Sharing
- Developed by HKUST, the smart fever screening system is deployed at border points to identify people with Covid-19 even if they are in a crowd wearing a face mask (read more);
- HK and Shenzhen firms join efforts to meet the demand for Covid-19 test kits (read more);
- HKPU has designed reusable face shields to be mass-produced for public use (read more);
- MTR Corporation deploys robots for deep cleaning operations (read more);
- Local start-up developed robot that automatically blocks people with fever (read more);
- Researchers at HKU join US tech start-up to conduct a trial to remotely monitor Covid-19 patients and others in quarantine centers (read more);
- Costing HKD985 each, and providing reliable results within 24 hours, HK genetics testing firm has launched Covid-19 test kits (read more);
- The "Covid-19 Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) Scheme", offers a fast and cost-effective avenue for the public and SMEs to resolve relevant disputes with a claim value capped at HKD500,000. The scheme will deploy HKs new Electronic Business Related Arbitration & Mediation (eBRAM) system, while at least one party in the dispute must be a HK resident or company (read more).
Dutch Stories Worth Sharing
- A number of NHKBA members have initiated projects aimed at increasing the supply of approved face masks and medical disposables to the health services in the Netherlands. IGC International is already producing facemasks for the Netherlands in China. Afpro Filters is working on a production line in its factory in Alkmaar. The Technological University Delft (TU Delft) has launched a website with its Covid-19 related research projects. ProductIP has published a number of guides on the EU regulations for masks. Orange Creatives is developing a range of disposable protective products for the healthcare sector;
- The Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) is also coordinating many research projects. Read more here (Dutch);
- On the webpages of VNO NCW you can find information and reports on Covid-19 related information for entrepreneurs Information on scenarios with measures can be found here. Information regarding an international agenda on action to combat the Covid-19 virus can be found here. (Dutch only).
For Extraordinary Times, Exceptional measures!
People arriving in Hong Kong by plane from Europe or the United States are required to immediately take a Covid-19 test and await results on-site at Asia World Expo. The new regulations came into effect on April 13. Those who test positive for the virus will be admitted to hospital immediately while those with negative results will need to wear a tracking bracelet and proceed to compulsory 14-day quarantine in their homes or other self-arranged accommodation.
Get in Touch
As we all attempt to navigate through this complex and rapidly changing environment, we at NHKBA are available to support you:
- If you wish to join the NHKBA as a member, please click here. Thereafter you can enjoy all the Membership Benefits;
- You may also use your membership as a marketing channel to promote your products/services to fellow registered Federation members. Additionally, you may connect with potential business partners via the Associates Directory (registration required);
- If you would like to share with us your current challenges or longer-term opportunities and see how the NHKBA can be of help, please email us at secretariat@nhkba.nl.
Webinar
The NHKBA and the Dutch Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong will jointly organise an event with the title: How to restart your business during Covid-19. With speakers from NL and HK. More information and an invitation will be sent to you shortly.
Everyone Counts
You are part of the international community and therefore you have a particular responsibility to promote international alignment as well as to fight the emerging and shameful prejudice and ignorance that can drag us so much deeper. It takes only a small dose of courage and kindness to fight the vulnerabilities of current countries isolationism, as we all realize that in order to rescue ourselves from this global crisis, we need to align efforts at an international level by promoting common sense, empathy and humanism.
Be responsible, do your share, and take very good care of yourself, your family and loved ones.
Hans Poulis
Chairman Netherlands Hong Kong Business Association