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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?.
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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 anti-competitive 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 anti-competitive 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.