The Zhitong Finance App reports that on January 10, the Statistics Department of the Hong Kong Government published the results of a monthly statistical survey on the business conditions of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in December 2023. According to the data, the current trend index of SME business revenue rose from 44.0 in the contracted region in November 2023 to 45.5 in December 2023, while the business revenue outlook index for the next month (that is, January 2024) is 47.9. According to industry analysis, the current business revenue trend index of the industries covered by many statistical surveys increased to varying degrees in December 2023 compared to the previous month, particularly retail (from 42.0 to 44.9) and import and export trade (from 43.6 to 45.6).

The current trend index for new orders in the import and export trade industry rose from 43.9 in November 2023 to 45.3 in December 2023, while the new order outlook index for the next month (that is, January 2024) is 46.7.

A government spokesman said that the overall business climate for SMEs improved slightly in December. The overall employment situation is generally stable. However, SME expectations for business conditions in the coming month have weakened slightly.

Looking ahead, the spokesperson pointed out that activities related to consumption and tourism are expected to resume further and should support the business climate, but the challenging surrounding environment and tight financial conditions will continue to be a constraint. The Government will closely monitor the situation.