Governance Publishing & Information Services, the UK-based publisher of the monthly Governance newsletter, strongly endorses the HAMS proposal.
We cover international corporate governance news on a daily basis, and are continually depressed by the high level of abuse of minority shareholder rights in markets worldwide. This is damaging not just to those investors but ultimately to the companies themselves and the markets in which they operate, because it deters international investment and raises the cost of capital. Foreign investment can boost the competitiveness of local firms, building jobs and enhancing the quality of life. But poor governance only drives investors away.
The HAMS proposal provides an innovative, effective solution to the problems posed by poor governance, and promises to make Hong Kong a more attractive market for investors. By implementing HAMS, the Hong Kong government would send a strong signal of its pro-investor approach, and become a good governance market leader in the region.