The Hong Kong government launches the "Future Smart Logistics Acceleration Program" to promote the digital development of the logistics industry in Hong Kong.

On June 1, the Hong Kong government introduced the "Future Smart Logistics Acceleration Program" (hereinafter referred to as the Acceleration Program) to accelerate the development of various information technology solutions and assist logistics companies in utilizing logistics data platforms operated by the Hong Kong government or public institutions, including the port community system and the Hong Kong International Airport cargo data platform, to enhance industry digitization. A spokesman for the Hong Kong Transport and Logistics Bureau stated that the digitization level of some logistics companies in Hong Kong, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, is low, hindering their use of existing logistics data platforms. The government hopes that through the Acceleration Program, the industry will be encouraged to develop innovative information technology solutions to assist companies in crossing the digital divide, promote wider use of logistics data platforms, enhance the competitiveness of the logistics industry, and facilitate Hong Kong's development into an international smart logistics hub. To continue promoting the digitization development of the Hong Kong logistics industry, the Financial Secretary of Hong Kong announced in the 2026-2027 Budget that the government will establish the Acceleration Program under the "Third-Party Logistics Service Provider Subsidy Pilot Program" (hereinafter referred to as the Pilot Program), with the goal of benefiting 100 logistics companies. Under the Acceleration Program, third-party logistics service providers can apply for subsidies for regularly ordered or approved solutions on the whitelist. Similar to the Pilot Program, applying companies must be non-listed companies registered in Hong Kong under the Business Registration Ordinance (Chapter 310) and have substantial business operations in Hong Kong, providing third-party logistics services for imports and exports; subsidies will be provided in a 2 (government) : 1 (company) ratio. Each eligible company can receive a maximum total of HK$2 million in subsidies under the Pilot Program (including the Acceleration Program). Technology solution providers can apply to include their information technology solutions (whether already developed or in development) in the whitelist for pre-approved solutions under the Acceleration Program. Technology solution providers must be enterprises registered in Hong Kong under the Business Registration Ordinance (Chapter 310). Each technology solution provider can only submit one application to include a technology solution in the whitelist, which can be used for one or more logistics data platforms. As a first phase, the Acceleration Program is now accepting whitelist applications, with the first round of applications due on June 30, 2026. All whitelist applications must go through a three-level review process, including (1) an initial review of the eligibility of the technology solution provider's application by the Hong Kong Productivity Council (Productivity Council) serving as the secretariat for the Acceleration Program; (2) a two-stage technical review interview by the logistics data platform operating organization, evaluating aspects such as compatibility between the solution and the platform, compliance with security and technical requirements, and relevance to the logistics industry; and (3) a final approval by the management committee of the Pilot Program on whether the solution meets the policy objectives of the Acceleration Program and benefits the overall logistics industry. Solutions included in the whitelist will be deemed technically capable of assisting logistics companies in utilizing specified logistics data platforms and practical. Interested third-party logistics service providers can choose relevant solutions and apply for subsidies under the Acceleration Program to regularly order or use the solutions.