FAS is involved in devising ICN Action Plan for the next ten years

On 28 April 2016, the programme of the Annual Conference of the International Competition Network (ICN) in Singapore included a session of ICN prospective development for the next decade. A FAS delegation led by Deputy Head of FAS Andrey Tsyganov took part in the event.

The session was opened by Andreas Mundt, the Head of German competition authority and the President of the International Competition Network. In the welcoming remarks he pointed out that when formed ICN had comprised only 20 competition authorities and currently ICN integrates 133 competition authorities. This fact proves that in the modern world it is necessary to establish an efficient dialogue between the antimonopoly bodies, which ICN has been facilitating during all years of its existence. According to Mr. Mundt, today’s ICN is an open and flexible structure, some kind of a “knowledge library” that is ready to share the accumulated experience with young competition authorities.

In the follow-up of the discussion, an assistant to the Head of FAS Vladimir Kachalin, emphasized the importance of advancing ICN as an organization oriented towards demands of new and young competition authorities, suggesting some kind of a “mentorship” programme when ICN ideas are promoted through cooperation between developed and young agencies. Andrey Tsyganov stated that ICN is a very important platform to establish a dialogue between competition authorities, discussing development of competition law and enforcement, finding common approaches to common problems.  Russian experience shows that ICN recommendations play an important role in improving the national competition laws and enforcement practices. Andrey Tsyganov underlined FAS readiness to participate in ICN initiatives and projects and expressed hope for continuing efficient work by ICN.

He drew attention to the fact that adequately identifying the needs of competition authorities in cooperation and assistance is an important work that requires special methods of studies. “Young competition authorities are like growing kids. They perceive new needs, feel changes but frequently cannot comprehend them, explain and formulate correctly”, said Andrey Tsyganov.

Not only vertical but also horizontal cooperation is of special importance: between developed antimonopoly bodies in course of of policy-setting, improving competition law and enforcement as well as between young competition authorities in the process of establishing, institutional development and competition advocacy.