The Chamber supports the Government’s efforts to implement anti-tax avoidance measures for plugging the loopholes of misusing or abusing Hong Kong to obtain ORSO exemption. We also call for a proper regulatory assessment in certain areas to ensure Hong Kong’s competitiveness would not be undermined, in particular an absolute ban on new exemption applications under ORSO.

The Chamber appreciates the Government’s effort to update fire safety standards in pre-1987 industrial buildings as a means to enhance public safety. At the same time, the Chamber has pointed to the need for flexibility in the application of the standards to take into account variances in the design and structure of industrial buildings. The Chamber has also called for a review of the Code of Practice for Minimum Fire Service Installations and Equipment to better cater for technological advancements and changes in commercial use in the industrial buildings.

The Chamber supports the proposal to introduce a Known Consignor Validation Scheme in Hong Kong that is consistent with new international air cargo safety obligations. In addition to supporting the proposed implementation of third-party operated screening facilities at off-airport locations, the Chamber also suggests conferring “Known Consignor” status to shippers that are already accredited under the U.S. Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) programme and/or the World Customs Organization’s Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) scheme, given the similarities in safety requirements.