The 20th meeting of the OECD Global Forum on Competition took place virtually via zoom on 6-8 December 2021. Discussions topics and key materials:
DAY 1 SESSIONS
Opening session
Opening Remarks by Mathias Cormann, OECD Secretary General
Keynote address by Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director, International Monetary Fund
Special remarks by Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General, WTO
Special remarks by Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General, UNCTAD
Introductory comments by Frédéric Jenny, Chair, OECD Competition Committee
Webcast of the first day of the Forum
Session 1. Trade, development and competition
Competition can be a powerful force for economic development, growth and productivity. Both competition policy and trade policy can play a role in harnessing competition for these purposes, but the interaction between the two is not often considered. This may change in the years ahead, as policymakers consider how to promote development through competition in a world characterised by different economic and trading systems, as well as growing recognition of the need for a level international playing field.
To move this debate forward, this session tried to make the link between these two policy areas, and explored where there are tensions and common ground.
More information and materials here.
Tunisia underwent a peer review of its competition law and policy in 2021.
Despite several revisions of the law, the report finds that there are areas for improvement. The recommendations were developed by lead examiners from Belgium, Canada, Japan and Kenya and were discussed at the OECD Global Forum on Competition in December 2021.
More information here.
DAY 2 SESSION

Session 2. Economic analysis and evidence in abuse cases
The enforcement of laws against the abuse of dominance or monopolisation by firms with substantial market power can involve significant challenges. The theories of harm, rooted in economic concepts, depend significantly on the conditions in a particular market – conduct that is harmful in one case may be procompetitive in another.
This session featured an expert panel discussion and breakout discussions that encouraged the sharing of experiences among delegates. All materials related to the breakout sessions including contributions by delegations and presentations are available here.
Breakout sessions
Wrap-up plenary session
DAY 3 SESSION

Session 3. The promotion of competitive neutrality by competition authorities
Significant market distortions may arise when some enterprises benefit from undue competitive advantages conferred by state actions, for example on the basis of their ownership, nationality or their activity in the market. These distortions can prevent competition from reaching its potential for economic growth, productivity and innovation.
This session featured a roundtable discussion to introduce the concept of competitive neutrality, explored how authorities around the world have promoted competitive neutrality, and highlighted the recently-adopted OECD Recommendation of the Council on Competitive Neutrality.
All materials including contributions by delegations and presentations are available here.
This peer review focuses on how to improve co-ordination, harmonisation and effectiveness of the Eurasian Economic Commission in light of the regional and national rules affecting competition policy.
In 2021, the Eurasian Economic Union underwent a peer review of its competition law and policy during the 20th OECD Global Forum on Competition.
More information here.
Other business and proposals for future work
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