The Commerce & Economic Development Bureau has proposed a new competition law for Hong Kong, covering key elements including the regulatory structure, types of conduct to be prohibited, penalties, the right to take private action, and criteria and mechanisms for granting exemptions and exclusions from the law's application.

More details about the proposed law can be found here. The consultation will end August 5. People can air their views by writing to the bureau at Level 29, One Pacific Place, 88 Queensway; faxing 2877 5650 or emailing competition@cedb.gov.hk.

The Financial Services & the Treasury Bureau has launched a three-month consultation on the Companies Ordinance review, covering measures to improve provisions on company names, directors' duties, corporate directorship and registration of charges.

The views collected from the consultations will be considered for incorporation into a White Bill to be issued for public consultation in mid-2009. The new Companies Bill is tentatively scheduled to be introduced into the Legislative Council in the third quarter of 2010.

For details of the consultation paper click here. Comments should be sent by mail to the bureau's Companies Bill Team, 15/F, Queensway Government Offices, 66 Queensway, Hong Kong, faxed to 2869 4195, or emailed to co_rewrite@fstb.gov.hk by June 30.

To participate in a forum on the topic click on the headline above.

The Food & Health Bureau has launched a three-month healthcare reform consultation to seek public views on the development of Hong Kong's healthcare system and financing arrangements.

The bureau is considering reforms in five areas - enhancing primary care, promoting public-private partnership in healthcare, developing electronic health-record sharing, strengthening the public healthcare safety net, and reforming healthcare financing arrangements.

On the basis of the views received it will formulate detailed proposals before proceeding to the second-stage consultation.