Two mask production lines approved by Hong Kong government, with five others being considered as city races to stem coronavirus tide

Manufacturers are applying under a HK$1.5 billion subsidy scheme and have to fulfil criteria laid out by authorities

First two successful applicants aiming to churn out monthly average of more than 3 million masks in total

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Masks have been in high demand amid the coronavirus outbreak in Hong Kong. Photo: Sam Tsang

Published: 3:02pm, 20 Mar 2020Updated: 11:48pm, 20 Mar 2020

The Hong Kong government has approved two local production lines for masks amid the coronavirus epidemic, and is considering another five applications under a HK$1.5 billion subsidy to deal with a supply shortage.

The first two successful applicants were Topwill Passion Limited and Shang Manufactory Limited, which might receive funding of up to HK$2.5 million and HK$2 million respectively according to their committed output, the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau said on Friday.

Bureau chief and commerce minister Edward Yau Tang-wah said he was also in discussions with applicants over the production of masks for children.

Edward Yau, secretary for commerce and economic development, says he is discussing with applicants how more masks can be produced for children. Photo: K.Y. Cheng

“The scheme could ease the shortage of masks in Hong Kong. Apart from the standard masks for adults, some applicants have indicated their interests in producing masks for different parties such as children.

“I will be in talks with them to see if they can do this,” Yau said.

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