Large Crowds Flock To Collect Consumption Vouchers
"); jQuery("#212 h3").html("
"); });
2021-08-01 HKT 10:42
The government said it has issued the first HK$2,000 installment of its spending voucher scheme, to about 5.5 million people.
Large crowds were seen at MTR stations across the city on Sunday morning, collecting their money at designated Octopus card readers.
Octopus users can also get their money at convenience stores or through the card's smartphone application.
They will receive HK$2,000 again from the first of October, and then HK$1,000 several weeks after that.
One of those who collected the money, Raymond, told RTHK that the process was simple and convenient.
"It's very convenient and I can just get the money instantly. [How do you plan to use the money?] I think mainly on transportation," he said.
Another man, surnamed Kan, said he believes the spending scheme will give the local economy a much-needed boost.
"I think for Hong Kong's economy, I think that's good because it encourages people to purchase and buy something from the market."
However, others complained about the money being dished out in batches, saying the arrangement limits what they can buy.
"I think [giving it out in one go] is better, because we can buy electronics that have a much higher price. For example, if I want to buy a TV, [right now] I just cannot," a man named Chris said.
For those who registered with Tap-and-Go, Alipay and Wechat Pay HK, the first instalment will be directly deposited into their accounts.
They will get HK$3,000 two months later.
Speaking on a radio programme, Financial Secretary Paul Chan said the distribution process has been smooth so far, adding that he hopes the scheme will benefit not only local residents and businesses, but will also promote the use of digital payment in the city.
The financial chief added that he expects the economy to grow more than the expected 5.5 percent this year, and the government will announce its updated economic forecast later this month.
______________________________
Last updated: 2021-08-01 HKT 13:08
Cyberport And Cisco To Enhance AI And Cybersecurity In Hong Kong
Cyberport, and Cisco signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance artificial intelligence (AI), future-ready n... Read more
Austin-Based Episode Six Targets Hong Kong For Virtual Payment Expansion
Episode Six (E6), a global provider of payment processing and digital ledger infrastructure, has announced plans to exp... Read more
Hong Kong Stock Exchange Introduces Bitcoin And Ether Spot ETFs
The Hong Kong Stock Exchange now lists the Bosera HashKey Bitcoin ETF and Bosera HashKey Ether ETF. This move introduce... Read more
German Startup Tozero Wins Top Prize At HKSTP EPiC 2024
Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) has announced the conclusion of its flagship Elevator Pitch ... Read more
Ping An OneConnect Bank Records HK$2.1 Billion Loan Assets Growth In FY2023
Ping An OneConnect Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, a virtual bank focused on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Hong Kong... Read more
Alipay+ Integrates 14 Global E-Wallets For Seamless Payments In Hong Kong
Alipay+, operated by Ant International, has announced a significant expansion in Hong Kong, enabling users from 14 pop... Read more