The Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation will launch the "SME Protection Easy" pilot scheme and extend special support measures concurrently.

The Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation announced that it will launch the "Small and Medium Enterprise Protection Easy" pilot program in July this year for a period of one year to protect Hong Kong exporters dealing with higher-risk buyers, providing more comprehensive risk protection for small and medium enterprises. In addition, the Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation will also extend the "Special Support Measures" and a 15% discount on premiums for online microenterprise policies for another year to continue supporting Hong Kong exporters in facing the various challenges brought about by uncertainties. The "Small and Medium Enterprise Protection Easy" pilot program is designed for policyholders holding "small turnover policies" and provides a credit limit guarantee of up to HK$600,000 for buyers who are not approved for credit limits due to risks such as short establishment time, small scale, weak financial condition, insufficient buyer information, etc. The compensation rate for this program is 70%, covering risks such as buyer insolvency after shipment of goods, default on payment, refusal to take delivery, or political and social factors in the buyer's location that prevent the recovery of funds. The "Special Support Measures" apply to existing and new policyholders and have been extended until June 30, 2027. These measures include extending free pre-shipment risk protection to "small turnover policy" policyholders, continuing to offer a 50% discount on pre-shipment risk protection for non-"small turnover policy" policyholders, and reducing fees for emerging markets to match those of traditional major markets, assisting Hong Kong exporters in exploring new markets such as ASEAN and the Belt and Road Initiative at lower costs. Regarding the "Online Microenterprise Policies," designed for micro-enterprises with annual turnover of less than HK$30 million, the 15% premium discount has been extended until June 30, 2027. Businesses can apply online through the "EC-Reach SME Credit Insurance Network." Furthermore, in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation, the "60th Anniversary Together Building the Future" policyholder reward program was launched in April, providing up to HK$6,000 in reward for existing and new policyholders to offset insurance premiums, policy service fees, or credit investigation service fees.