Hong Kong CEPA Revision Could Give Foreign Firms Greater Mainland Access

The proposed Hong Kong CEPA revision could give foreign companies establishing operations in the city the same preferential mainland China market access available to qualifying local businesses.

Commerce Secretary Algernon Yau said foreign companies manufacturing in Hong Kong could qualify for zero-tariff entry into mainland China if their products satisfy “Made in Hong Kong” origin requirements.

The changes would form the third revision of the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement and are part of Hong Kong’s first Five-Year Plan.

The plan seeks to deepen services cooperation with mainland China and expand market liberalisation, potentially strengthening Hong Kong’s role as an entry point for international businesses targeting the mainland market.

Yau also highlighted Hong Kong’s growing links with Southeast Asia. ASEAN has been the city’s third-largest destination for outward direct investment for four consecutive years, with Hong Kong investment stock in the region reaching HKD671.2bn (USD85.5bn).