Editorial | Competition watchdog’s creative campaign will help promote market fairness

Combating anticompetitive business behaviour is not just about breaking up monopolies or curbing dominant market players. Just as important is for small businesses to embrace the spirit of fair competition. This includes avoiding the exchange of sensitive price information, collusion in bidding and many more common practices that have been outlawed but are still often taken for granted.

There is arguably no better way than using everyday examples to illustrate the message. For instance, it is unlawful for fruit vendors to share and agree on pricing or promotional tactics instead of making their own decisions after considering the relevant factors independently. Such agreements make market behaviour predictable and standardised, thereby undermining competition while putting consumers in a disadvantageous position.

The watchdog’s reminder should not be taken as a sweeping ban against normal exchange within industries. The sharing of business best practices, information on occupational safety, public policies and regulatory matters generally will not pose a competition risk, according to the commission. The advice for businesses to think about whether the information exchanged would harm consumers’ interests is a good reference.

Competition is the foundation of a fair and healthy market. As one of the freest economies in the world, Hong Kong ought to be a level playing field where businesses operate fairly and consumers can access a wide range of products and services at competitive prices.

Like with other bodies established to safeguard equal opportunities, privacy and consumer rights, there needs to be regular public education and publicity to refresh awareness and compliance with the relevant laws on competition. As one of the city’s youngest statutory watchdogs, the Competition Commission should continue to proactively promote awareness and compliance.