Hong Kong and Slovenia Sign Comprehensive Double Taxation Agreement, Boosting Trade and Investment Opportunities

Signing of tax pact with Slovenia marks new Hong Kong milestone in expanding international tax co-operation with 60th tax pact signed

The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, had a bilateral meeting with the Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to China, Mr Boštjan Malovrh, in Hong Kong today (September 4) and signed on behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government a comprehensive avoidance of double taxation agreement (CDTA) with the Government of Slovenia.

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Signing of tax pact with Slovenia marks new Hong Kong milestone in expanding international tax co-operation with 60th tax pact signed Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Signing of tax pact with Slovenia marks new Hong Kong milestone in expanding international tax co-operation with 60th tax pact signed Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Signing of tax pact with Slovenia marks new Hong Kong milestone in expanding international tax co-operation with 60th tax pact signed Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Signing of tax pact with Slovenia marks new Hong Kong milestone in expanding international tax co-operation with 60th tax pact signed Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Mr Hui said, “This is the 60th CDTA that Hong Kong has concluded, the 15th one that the current-term Government has signed, and the fifth one this year. It marks a new milestone of the HKSAR Government’s efforts in proactively expanding Hong Kong’s CDTA network.

“Slovenia is an important trading partner of Hong Kong in Europe and a participant in the Belt and Road Initiative. Last September, I travelled to Slovenia to discuss the early conclusion of the CDTA between our two jurisdictions and received a positive response from the Slovenian Government, which has led to the formal signing of the agreement by both sides today. The CDTA sets out the allocation of taxing rights between Hong Kong and Slovenia, which will enable investors to better assess their potential tax liabilities from cross-border economic activities and avoid double taxation, thereby promoting bilateral trade and investment.

“The Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau is also actively following up on the consensus to strengthen co-operation reached during the Chief Executive’s visit to two Central Asian countries this June. We have completed CDTA negotiations with Kazakhstan and the CDTA will be signed once both sides have completed the internal procedures. We will also commence negotiations with Uzbekistan later this year.”

At the bilateral meeting, Mr Hui highlighted to Mr Malovrh the latest developments of Hong Kong as an international financial centre, including its top-tier global positions in areas such as cross-boundary wealth management, global competitiveness and tax policy, as well as the HKSAR Government’s initiatives to develop Hong Kong into a global gold trading, clearing and reserve hub.

In accordance with this CDTA, any tax paid by Hong Kong residents in Slovenia will be allowed as a credit against the tax payable in Hong Kong in respect of the same income, subject to the provisions of the Inland Revenue Ordinance (Cap. 112) (IRO). Moreover, Slovenia’s withholding tax rate for Hong Kong residents on dividends, currently at up to 25 per cent, will be reduced to 10 per cent at maximum, while the withholding tax rates on interest and royalties, currently at up to 25 per cent, will also be reduced to 5 per cent.

The CDTA will come into force after completion of ratification procedures by both sides. In Hong Kong, the Chief Executive in Council will make an order under the IRO in respect of the CDTA, which will be tabled at the Legislative Council for negative vetting. Details are available on the Inland Revenue Department’s website.

“Fashion Asia Hong Kong 2026” and “5th Hong Kong Denim Festival” staged as final highlight of third edition of Hong Kong Fashion Fest

Spearheaded and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the third edition of Hong Kong Fashion Fest culminates today (September 4) with two flagship programmes, “Fashion Asia Hong Kong 2026” and “5th Hong Kong Denim Festival”. The events showcase the outstanding creativity of local and Asian fashion designers, serving to deepen industry exchanges, promote business co-operation, and consolidate Hong Kong’s position as an East-meets-West centre for international arts and cultural exchanges.

Organised by the Hong Kong Design Centre, “Fashion Asia Hong Kong 2026” officially kicked off today by presenting two highlights, namely the Fashion Challenges Forum and the 10 Asian Designers to Watch Exhibition. Coinciding with the 10th anniversary of Fashion Asia Hong Kong, this year’s Fashion Challenges Forum once again gathered global industry leaders, curators, and creative talent to explore current business strategies and future ecological blueprints of the fashion industry. Meanwhile, the 10 Asian Designers to Watch Exhibition is being held at the Peak Galleria in Hong Kong from today to September 13, showcasing the exquisite designs and craftsmanship of 10 emerging Asian fashion designers who have just won the 10 Asian Designers to Watch awards this year.

Addressing the opening of the Fashion Challenges Forum today, the Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries, Miss Drew Lai, said that Fashion Asia Hong Kong has been one of the core programmes since the inaugural edition of Hong Kong Fashion Fest, providing a vital exchange and collaboration platform for the industry. The enduring presence is a testament to the success and outstanding status of Fashion Asia Hong Kong.

Organised by the Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI) and themed “Denim Fusion: Cultivating Creativity and Driving Retail Success”, the “5th Hong Kong Denim Festival”, featuring an open ceremony and fashion show held at Central Plaza this evening, encourages industry exchanges and public participation, and offers a diverse array of denim experiences. The fashion show, Denim Voyage Party, features over 30 creations by designers under the Institute’s talent development programme, as well as local and Korean brands. A denim exhibition, workshops and forums are also being held at CENTRESTAGE at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The programme aims to nurture design talent, facilitate cultural exchange, and promote denim culture to the public, underscoring its long-standing commitment to advancing denim design.

Speaking at the event, Miss Lai said that CCIDA has sponsored the Hong Kong Denim Festival for five consecutive years. The Festival has been designated as one of the flagship programmes of Hong Kong Fashion Fest since the last edition. She noted that denim embodies both tradition and innovation, serving as an expression of personal style, while also demonstrating that bold creative vision can be translated into business opportunities. She said she hoped that the programme, in leading local designers to Paris Fashion Week, will help them showcase their creativity and talent on the international stage.

For details of the two flagship programmes and more information on Hong Kong Fashion Fest, please visit hongkongfashionfest.com, and follow the official social media channels.