Competition Policy and the Global Trading Regime
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Transcript Competition Policy and the Global Trading Regime
Competition Policy and the
Global Trading Regime
Erlinda M. Medalla
April 27-28, 2006
Hanoi
Why competition policy in the context
of international trading regime?
The primary consideration should be
national objectives, but it is crucial to also
consider multilateral and regional
perspectives.
Considering developments in other
countries gives a wider perspective of the
issues and helps governments decide on
the most appropriate policies.
Why competition policy in the context
of international trading regime?
National and regional efforts to
enhance competition can be mutually
reinforcing and provide a further force
to counter the interests of vested
groups.
There are trans-boundary anticompetitive acts.
Competition policy and
international trade
Lack of domestic competition policy
regulatory framework could affect
market access, especially against
foreign products
Hence, competition policy as one of
Singapore issues
Competition policy and
international trade
There are cases where anticompetitive acts cross borders.
Example: International shipping lines
suspected to set up international cartels
and allocate capacity
Need to address such cases at
regional/ global level.
Need for cooperative approach
Possibly push the issue to be addressed
at WTO
Developments in WTO
Competition policy issue has been dropped
in the July package of the WTO
Proposals for competition policy
agreements do not explicitly link
competition policy with market access
concerns; rather they aim to ensure that all
countries have national legislation in place
to deal with anticompetitive practices.
Cooperation between member states on
competition policy are voluntary.
Agreement more towards commitment to
competitive markets.