5th Arab Competition Forum: Advocating for fair competition in the Arab region

Beirut-Tunis, 22 May 2024--To support unified and impactful competition advocacy efforts and contribute to advancing economic growth and governance in the Arab region, the 5th Arab Competition Forum kicked off today in Tunis, with the participation of ministers and high-level officials from Arab and international competition authorities, in addition to a score of experts, academics, and representatives of the private sector.

The two-day forum is organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) and the Tunisian Competition Council (TCC), in collaboration with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and the Competition Commission of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).

It was opened by Minister of Trade and Export Development in Tunisia Kalthoum Ben Rajeb; President of the Tunisian Competition Council Hassen Guizani; Leader of the Governance and Conflict Prevention Cluster at ESCWA Tarik Alami; UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan; Chairman of the OECD Competition Committee Frederic Jenny; and Director and CEO of the COMESA Competition Commission Willard Mwemba.

In her remarks, Ben Rajeb emphasized that the fact that Tunisia is hosting this forum was not a coincidence, but rather reflects a growing interest in fair competition as an important control for market balance, as an essential factor for achieving economic development and consumer well-being, and as an optimal framework for attracting local investment, which can only be achieved in following an approach that consecrates competitive neutrality in legislation and practice.

In his turn, Guizani said that "Willing to win the bet of the future and ensure prosperity and development, our Arab societies are taking firm steps to monitor violations of competition and confront them by following the world's best practices. There is no doubt that this would not have been possible without the effective role played by the organizations holding this forum."

The annual Forum provides a platform for advancing knowledge and best practices in competition, and facilitating coordination and collaboration at the national, regional and international levels. Competition authorities also benefit from peer learning based on international case studies and best practices.

"This event is an opportunity to focus regional efforts on achieving a fair and sustainable competitive environment that contributes to supporting innovation and sustainable economic growth," Alami said. He also stressed the need for relevant bodies to enhance economic competition by adopting an active approach that includes creating a climate of free competition, removing barriers, expanding into new markets, and ensuring fair conditions for all.

This year's edition of the Forum focuses on the role of advocacy in fostering a healthy competitive environment in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. As economies evolve with new business models and technological advancements, such as the rise of the digital economy and artificial intelligence, the Forum also looks into means for adapting competition laws and policies to address accompanying challenges while preventing the stifling of innovation.

In a recorded message, Grynspan pointed out that the fact that the forum continued to take place, year after year and amid a cascade of crises, was a testament to its value. "Let us leave today renewed in our commitment to work together, to build competition policy frameworks that level the playing field, protect the vulnerable, and create opportunities for all. After all, in a world of growing uncertainty, competitive markets can be a beacon of stability and sustainable development, and that is something worth fighting for," she added.

The opening session was followed by a special discussion on "Arab youth in competition", during which awards were granted to the winners of the "Student Competition Challenge" launched by ESCWA and TCC last March. The challenge was an opportunity for students to learn about the concepts and values of competition, and to become involved in dialogue and research on competition issues.

In his turn, Jenny emphasized "We must not forget that effective and fair law enforcement is a necessity but not sufficient condition for the emergence and development of competition. We must not also forget that competition prevails only if consumers make it work by comparing prices and by rewarding the firms that best meet their demands."

ESCWA, UNCTAD and OECD had launched the annual Arab Competition Forum in 2020 to establish an up-to-date knowledge-sharing platform on competition policy and enforcement for Arab stakeholders.

"Markets are fast evolving and competition authorities need to cooperate robustly and evolve rapidly too to address emerging market concerns. Such events are a fundamental precursor to effective cooperation," said Mwemba. "Much can be said today but I wish to conclude by stating that the COMESA Competition Commission is committed to supporting these efforts and looks forward to deeper collaboration with the member States and the stakeholders involved, to make these efforts a reality," he added.

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One of five United Nations regional commissions, ESCWA supports inclusive and sustainable economic and social development in Arab States, and works on enhancing regional integration.

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