The Working Group on Class Actions (“Working Group”), acting through its Secretariat (“Secretariat”) at the Department of Justice, announced today 31 December 2020 its intention to commission a consultancy study on the (potential and likely) economic and other related impacts on Hong Kong if a class action regime, starting with a pilot scheme restricted to consumer class actions only, is to be introduced (“Consultancy Study”).

A spokesperson for the Secretariat has stated that, “In light of the prevailing economic situation of Hong Kong being affected by the COVID-19 situation and other global economic uncertainties, it is appropriate to commission the Consultancy Study. It is expected that the Consultancy Study could assist the Working Group in having due regard to relevant economic considerations in taking its work forward.”

The Secretariat is in the process of inviting expressions of interest by 11 a.m. on 15 January 2021 from consultancy firms which may competently undertake the Consultancy Study expected to commence in the second quarter of 2021 for completion in ten months. Firms not already approached by the Secretariat may seek such information as they may need from the contact person below and observe the deadline of 11 a.m. on 15 January 2021 if they wish to submit an expression of interest.

The Working Group was set up by the Government in 2012 to study and consider the proposals of the Law Reform Commission’s Report on Class Actions and to make its recommendations.

For any enquiries, please contact Mr Neville Chan (Executive Officer (Constitutional and Policy Affairs) 2) at email: wgclassactions@doj.gov.hk.

Secretariat of the Working Group

December 2020