The Chamber appreciates that the intent behind the Government’s proposals is to address questionable sales tactics and protect Hong Kong consumers. However, we have reservations about the measures, as there is an existing piece of law that already addresses aggressive trade practices, and also due to the lack of a rigorous review that would assess the impact of introducing such a legislative change.

The Chamber agrees with the Government's objective to lower rate of industrial accidents. However, the Chamber queries whether the proposed substantial increase in the maximum statutory level of penalties on businesses can achieve such objective. The Government should take a holistic approach and focus on other approaches to reducing industrial accidents, instead of simply increasing penalties and fines.

The Chamber supports the updating of Hong Kong’s laws to allow the implementation of the Madrid Protocol domestically.