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The Competition Policy Advisory Group (COMPAG) published today (April 29) a report on the work carried out by the Government to promote competition in 1999/2000 .

COMPAG was established in December 1997 under the chairmanship of the Financial Secretary to review competition issues that have substantial policy or systemic implications. It promulgated the Statement on Competition Policy in May 1998 and published its first work report in March 1999.

In 1999-2000, COMPAG focused on the following areas of work:

* to encourage new initiatives to promote competition;

* to identify areas that may not be fully compatible with the competition policy, and review the scope for refinement;

* to keep under review the various competition-related issues examined in 1998;

* to keep track of competition-related cases or complaints received from different sources, and review, on a need basis, those cases which have policy or systemic implications; and

* to monitor discussions in international fora on competition issues that may have a bearing on Hong Kong.

"The promotion of competition is a government-wide responsibility and COMPAG has been instrumental in heightening awareness and fostering initiatives to promote competition among bureaux and departments. It has also been working closely with the Consumer Council in monitoring the state of competition in different sectors and in handling competition-related issues and complaints," said a Government spokesman.

"In recognition of the useful partnership between COMPAG and the Consumer Council on the competition front, starting from April 2000, the Council has become a full member of COMPAG. We look forward to even closer collaboration between COMPAG and the Council," he added.

The objective of the Government's competition policy is to enhance economic efficiency and free flow of trade, thereby benefiting consumer welfare as well.

For 2000-2001, COMPAG will continue to encourage new initiatives to promote competition, as well as identify areas that may not be fully compatible with the competition policy and review the scope for refinement.

The Report is accessible from the Internet (http://www.info.gov.hk/tib/roles/report/1999_2000/index.htm). Hard copies are available at the District Offices.

End/Saturday, April 29, 2000

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