Latest round of Hong Kong consumption vouchers to be disbursed from mid-April, with scheme expected to boost post-Covid economy: Paul Chan
- Finance minister says it is ‘appropriate’ to give out vouchers since city is still recovering from economic effects of coronavirus pandemic
- Eligible permanent residents and new arrivals will receive HK$5,000, while HK$2,500 available for others including those arriving under work and talent schemes
Hong Kong will hand out the latest instalment of its consumption vouchers from mid-April in a bid to spur local spending as the city’s economy recovers from the ravages of Covid-19, the finance chief has said.
“Although our economy is recovering, we need to consolidate the economy,” he told a press conference. “Residents and small-and-medium enterprises have been under great pressure over the past three years under Covid-19.”
But it was not feasible to make the scheme a regular initiative, he said, adding that whether another round of vouchers would be rolled out next year would depend on the economic situation at that time.
Chan noted the city’s campaign to boost domestic consumption through local dining festivals and amusement events, known as “Happy Hong Kong”, would launch next month and expressed hope residents would take the opportunity to spend more and enjoy themselves.
Eligible adult Hong Kong permanent residents and new arrivals aged 18 or over will receive HK$5,000 (US$636) under this year’s scheme, with a first round of HK$3,000 to be disbursed from April 16.
New arrivals refers to residents holding valid Hong Kong ID cards who have come from mainland China under one-way permits or were dependants of permanent residents with permission to stay in the city.
