FAS and UNCTAD discussed cooperation
On 19 - 21 October 2016, at the 15th session of the UNCTAD intergovernmental group of experts on competition law and policy in Geneva (Switzerland) FAS delegation and UNCTAD top officials had a number of bilateral meetings.
On 19 October 2016, in Geneva (Switzerland) FAS delegation led by Deputy Head of FAS Andrey Tsyganov had a meeting with Deputy UNCTAD Secretary General Joakim Reiter.
Andrey Tsyganov informed Mr. Reiter about FAS functions and activities. He specially pointed out that FAS combines various functions that generate a synergy effect for the entire system of economic regulation in Russia. Andrey Tsyganov gave a detailed account of the institutional design of the Russian competition authority, and its function for control whether authorities comply with the antimonopoly law, as well as FAS powers in tariff regulation and public procurement. Since its launching more the 25 years ago, the antimonopoly law in Russia has been continuously developed in line with the best world practices, particularly, devised and summarized by UNCTAD.
Andrey Tsyganov emphasized that UNCTAD is a platform that pays special attention to analyzing and systematizing the best world practices and promoting them to advance world competition systems. It especially concerns young competition authorities that do not have sufficient experience in institutional design and establishment of competition law and enforcement. In this context FAS understands the special importance of cooperation with UNCTAD since the unique nature of the institutional and functional structure of the Antimonopoly Service can be of interest for foreign competition bodies.
FAS also underlines UNCTAD role as an efficient platform for discussing the issues of particular importance for the competition authorities from all corners of the world. One of such issues is countering anticompetitive practices of large transnational corporations and international cartels.
Mr. Reiter stressed that FAS is of interests for the whole competition community in terms of its power synergy as well as developing the law that does not have exceptions for state-run or private companies or particular sectors of the economy. Cooperation between competition authorities is one of the most essential aspects for UNCTAD. In light of this Mr. Reiter expressed support to continuation of such efforts and looking at devising the tools for practical cooperation between competition authorities at UNCTAD platform.
Discussions continued on 21 October 2016 at a bilateral meeting with the Head of UNCTAD's Competition Policy and Consumer Protection Branch, Mrs. Teresa Moreira. The parties discussed further areas of cooperation between FAS and UNCTAD, including involvement of UNCTAD representatives in international events organized by FAS and continuing active FAS engagement in the efforts of UNCTAD intergovernmental group of experts on competition law and policy.