Hong Kong stamps over $1.5b in subsidies for retailers

Around 19,000 applications were accepted in the subsidy scheme.

Over $1.5b in subsidies have been approved for eligible retailers under the Retail Sector Subsidy Scheme (RSSS) of the first round of the anti-epidemic fund, according to a government announcement. This involved more than 19,000 applications.

About 93,000 applications were received within the scheme’s three-week application period, and disbursement of subsidies to approved applicants has already begun since 9 April.

RSSS was launched within one month after the legislative council approved the setting up of the fund. The experience gained from the implementation of the RSSS will be adopted in the new BMP scheme, which would help beauty parlours, massage establishments, and party rooms.

The scheme will largely adopt the arrangement of the RSSS, under which collection and vetting of applications will be conducted through an online platform.

About 8,400 beauty parlours and massage establishments as well as about 500 party rooms are expected to benefit from the BMP Scheme.