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Forum DiscussionConsumer Groups and Government:Working together, market intelligence

Ms. Connie LAUChief Executive

Hong Kong Consumer Council

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Characteristic of HKCC

No competing government agency

Created under legislation

Advisory body

Unpaid Members appointed by government

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HKCC Statutory Functions

Protect & promote consumer interests

Receive & examine consumer complaints

Provide advice to government & business

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HKCC – Independent Organization

Goverment Address consumer issues No financial burden Avoid potential political fallout

Consumer Business

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HKCC – Independent Organization

Only government involvement

Subvention

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HKCC - Major Successes Promote advances in consumer

protection legislation

Change government policy that favour businesses e.g. banking interest rate cartel

Advocate for general competition law

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Working together

HKCC Conduct research Make recommendations Lobby for change

Government Take action when necessary

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Marketplace intelligence

HKCC - primary consumer research centre Computerized Complaints database Product price surveys

Undertaken on regular basis Product testing

Published in HKCC’s monthly magazine & website

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How to empower consumers?

Information is power

Product testing Industry research Competition studies

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How to empower consumers?

Information to : government businesses consumers

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How to empower consumers?

Working with government

Education – Consumer Culture Study Awards

Finance – Increasing bank branch closures

Food safety

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How to empower consumers?

Regular Press Comment

- Monthly, at release of magazine

- Covered by TV, radio, print media

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How to empower consumers?

Regular Press CommentInvite Government bureaucrats to

attend

Emphasize co-operative approach Enhance Council’s status Opportunity for Government

bureaucrats to participate

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How to empower consumers?

Enroll services of entertainment industry

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Win-Win Approach

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THANK YOU !