Submissions and Reports

The Chamber generally supports the Government’s proposals to transform Lau Fau Shan into a tech hub and eco-tourism hotspot, in line with its blueprint for the development of the Northern Metropolis. We recognize that such efforts would benefit businesses, particularly the tech sector, through creating opportunities for cross-border corporate synergies and development alongside Qianhai and Nanshan in Shenzhen.
At the same time, we highlight several conceptual and practical issues relating to these proposals, which we suggest that the Government take into consideration when taking forward the megaproject.

The Chamber welcomes the proposals to regulate such powerful greenhouse gases with high global warming potential and suggests that the Government takes into account the operational practicalities that businesses are faced with during the implementation. We propose that the Government defer the implementation of the ban on sale and supply, as well as on-product labeling requirements, to allow businesses more time to comply with minimal disruptions.

The Chamber supports global efforts to develop common standards for ESG reporting as they could provide a useful reference guide for investors and issuers. We venture to suggest a deferral of implementation of mandatory climate-related reporting standards to allow sufficient time for all market participants, especially smaller cap issuers, to comply. The proposed mandatory requirements should also consider such factors as practicability and proportionality to avoid listing rule violations.

The Chamber welcomes the Government’s initiative to update the Talent List to address Hong Kong’s acute talent shortage situation and sustain a competitive economy, and puts forward recommendations on the necessary high-skilled professions for inclusion in the same.

The Chamber welcomes the Environmental Protection Department’s consultation on the Specifications for Product Barcode and Designated Logo for Producer Responsibility Scheme on Plastic Beverage Containers (“PPRS”), and suggests that greater flexibility be afforded to the arrangements to avoid wastage or any unintended consequences of discouraging efforts to reduce plastic waste.

The Chamber welcomes and supports the ISSB’s initiative to formulate a comprehensive set of global sustainability disclosures to serve as performance guideposts for businesses, while providing consistent, comparable and high-quality ESG reporting designed to meet investor needs. However, questions over the approach to and with the proposed standards, such as the lack of clarity on when the ISSB will be fully quorate and the absence of the principle-based GRI standard, will have to be addressed before the new standards are introduced.

The Chamber supports the use of legislation to eliminate disposable plastic tableware from the waste stream, but suggests that consideration should also be given to viable substitutes as an interim means of transitioning away from plastics. Over the long term, there is the need for a holistic approach to eliminating the use of single-use items.

The Chamber welcomes and supports a Member’s Bill as proposed by Ms Elizabeth Quat to incorporate wildlife trafficking and illegal trade crimes into the Organised and Serious Crimes Ordinance. We believe that by vesting the authorities with greater investigative and punitive powers, this would have the desired effect of reducing wildlife crimes committed in Hong Kong.

The Chamber supports the introduction of a Producer Responsibility Scheme on Plastic Beverage Containers to reduce waste and create a circular economy in Hong Kong. The Chamber agrees with the general aspects of the scheme but suggests certain areas be adjusted to promote broader buy-in and participation.

The Chamber is pleased to note that a Legislative Council’s Bills Committee was formed on 16 October 2020 to again study a bill to implement a charging scheme for the purpose of reducing MSW following a previous attempt to do so during the previous legislative term. The Chamber believes that such a charging scheme would lay a useful foundation for Hong Kong to manage waste in a more responsible and effective manner.