HK's Competition Watchdog Seeks Stronger Powers

The Competition Commission says it is talking to officials about whether Hong Kong's competition laws can be tightened, three years after they came into effect.

Chairwoman Anna Wu told reporters at a luncheon on Wednesday that the commission is in talks with the government about whether public bodies should no longer be exempt from competition laws, and whether the watchdog can be given the power to demand documents from companies for market studies.

Also up for discussion is whether the law should be used to regulate mergers in all industries, and if the alleged victims of anti-competitive conduct can sue firms themselves, rather than having to go through the commission.

Wu said it is up to the government to decide what changes can be made.

The watchdog's CEO, Brent Snyder, said they are prioritising a probe announced last week into the formation of an alliance of port operators, which covers more than 90 percent of Hong Kong's cargo business.

Snyder revealed that the operators went to the commission with their plan in advance. But despite the heads-up, a probe could only start once the alliance had actually been established, Snyder said.

The commission said it expects rulings soon in two of three cases it took to court last year, and they could serve as good precedents, regardless of the outcomes. Several more court cases could be coming this year.

The commission also revealed that it has invited FBI agents in, to help train staff in investigative skills.