Hong Kong and Barbados DTA

On March 19, 2026 in Beijing, China, the “Double Taxation Treaty between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China (HKSAR) and Barbados was signed by Ambassador Hallam Henry, Barbados’ Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China and Christopher Hui, the Hong Kong Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau in the Government of HKSAR.

This marked a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral economic relations and improving tax certainty between the two countries.

This Treaty aims to provide for:

1. the elimination of double taxation between Barbados and HKSAR with respect to taxes on income and the prevention of tax evasion and avoidance, ensuring that individuals and companies are not taxed twice on the same income or gains.
2. reduced withholding taxes, i.e., lower tax rates on cross-border payments of dividends, interest and royalties, making it more affordable for businesses to operate internationally.
3. greater legal certainty; i.e., establishing clear rules for tax residency, the allocation of taxing rights and providing a predictable environment for long-term investors.
4. the prevention of tax evasion, by including robust provisions for the exchange of tax information and administrative cooperation to combat fiscal evasion and avoidance.

Ambassador Hallam Henry indicated that:

“This agreement underscores our commitment to fostering a competitive business environment and deepening our partnership with Hong Kong the Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China.  By removing tax obstacles, we are opening new doors for our entrepreneurs and securing a more prosperous future for our citizens”

The agreement will now undergo respective domestic ratification procedures in both jurisdictions before entering into force.

International Business Unit

Ministry of Energy, Business Development and Consumer Affairs

March 19, 2026

March 19, 2026