Delegates from the European Commission have urged the Hong Kong government to implement a comprehensive competition law as soon as possible.
James Moran, Asia director of the commission's external relations department, held lengthy talks yesterday with Linda Lai Wai-ming, deputy secretary of the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau.
Mr Moran said he was encouraged that a public consultation on competition policy had been held in Hong Kong. 'We're assured that very soon ... the matter will be the subject of discussion for legislation. Frankly speaking, as far as we're concerned, the sooner the better,' he said.
'As regards the model, we're also encouraged to see Hong Kong is taking very seriously the experience of the European Union. We naturally do believe that is the most constructive way forward.'
It was the first of annual talks between Europe and Hong Kong initiated after Jose Manuel Barroso, president of the commission, met Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen in Brussels last year.
In his election platform, Mr Tsang promised to begin work on a competition law at the earliest opportunity. In his October policy address, he said a bill would be introduced in the 2008-2009 legislative year.
