Hong Kong proposes mandatory renovation briefings to combat bid-rigging

Hong Kong authorities are proposing an amendment to the Building Management Ordinance to combat bid-rigging in major renovation projects. The proposal, announced by Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak Mei-kuen, would require property owners to attend a mandatory briefing before voting on procurement resolutions. The amendment aims to enhance homeowner participation and address information asymmetry, which authorities believe contributes to conflicts and potential corruption. This initiative follows a deadly fire in Tai Po and seeks to fill existing legal gaps related to building management. The amendment covers five areas to improve the overall process.