Shooting for a fairer deal

Not even the high profile protest of popular actor Jackie Chan is likely to sway public opinion in Hong Kong on the subject of parallel imports. If Legislative Councillors approve government moves to legalize importation of movies and similar goods, bypassing authorized dealers, the local consumer will benefit. The local film industry is not enjoying the success that it did in its heyday, and loss of revenue through distribution rights comes at a difficult time, but the problems of film-makers are a bit of a red herring.

Opening the way for freer access to the market is entirely in line with Hong Kong's free-market philosophy. It would be inconsistent to claim that because one local industry is passing through straightened times, legislators should oppose a scheme which will remove its monopoly in a subsidiary venture.

-- South China Morning Post, Hong Kong