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Following is the question by the Hon Ronny Tong and a written reply by the Secretary for Economic Development and Labour, Mr Stephen Ip, in the Legislative Council today (November 2):
Question
In June this year, the Competition Policy Advisory Group (COMPAG) established the Competition Policy Review Committee (the Committee) to review the existing competition policy and the composition, terms of reference and operations of COMPAG. The authorities have indicated that the Committee would complete its review within 12 months from its establishment. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(a) of the number of meetings held by the Committee so far, the duration of each meeting, and the average attendance rate of its members;
(b) of the methodology adopted by the Committee for conducting its review; the criteria adopted for selecting representations and individuals to attend meetings with the Committee; the representations and individuals with whom it has met so far; and
(c) whether the Committee has drawn any preliminary conclusions; if it has, of the conclusions?
Reply
Madam President,
(a) The Competition Policy Review Committee (the Committee) has, since its establishment in June 2005, held three meetings. The average attendance rate of its members was about 83%. Two of the meetings lasted for about three hours each. The other one was in the form of a seminar and lasted for more than eight hours.
(b) The Committee is reviewing the composition, functions and modus operandi of the Competition Policy Advisory Group and the effectiveness of the existing competition policy. The Committee adopts a multi-pronged approach which includes research into materials related to the issues involved; brain-storming sessions and inviting and analysing views, including those of local and overseas experts.
In July 2005, the Committee wrote to more than 300 trade and industry organisations to invite them to give comments on issues related to the review. The Committee also conducted a seminar in August 2005. Five local and overseas experts on competition law were invited to share their views and experience with members on the competition policies, legislation and relevant experience in other economies including the United States, United Kingdom, European Union, Australia and Singapore and discussed their relevance and applicability to Hong Kong. The Committee has not yet met with any organisation or individual.
(c) The Committee has not come to any preliminary conclusion.
Ends/Wednesday, November 2, 2005
Issued at HKT 14:16
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