The waivers and concessions of fees and charges will benefit a wide range of sectors ranging from aviation, maritime, logistics, agriculture and fisheries, retail, catering, construction to tourism and entertainment, according to the document released by the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau.

The majority of waivers and concessions will take effect from October 1, while the remaining ones will progressively take effect on a later date upon the respective expiry of the existing waivers and concessions.

The 75 percent reduction of the charge for fresh water supplied for businesses will be extended for four more months from December 1, subject to a monthly cap of HK$20,000 for each meter covered by a water bill.

As for the 75 percent reduction of the sewage charge supplied for businesses, it will be extended for four more months from December 1 as well, subject to a monthly cap of HK$12,500 for each meter covered by a water bill.

Around 250,000 merchants will benefit from the waiver.

The waiving of the fees payable to the Construction Industry Council in respect of the registration and renewal of registration of construction workers will also be extended for another year starting October 1. About 120,000 workers will benefit.

Although the pandemic has shown signs of easing recently, the overall economic development remains uncertain and it will possibly take some time for businesses to fully recover, the bureau added.

To sustain the support for businesses and provide relief to a wide range of sectors, waivers and concessions of government fees and charges are necessary, it said.