The appropriate design and enforcement of competition law and policy in countries at different stages of market development

To be effective in supporting economic development, competition law and policy (CLP) need to be supported by and compatible with complementary pro-development policies. A spectrum of factors - including social, economic and political environment - dictate the choices for competition provisions and enforcement design. Moreover, the priorities adopted by governments in terms of budgetary support, manpower availability and political support are key determinants of agency effectiveness. Despite a certain trend to convergence, states have to adapt their competition laws and enforcement institutions to local conditions.

One of the core questions in this respect will be discussed by the round table:

• Given that countries are at different stages of their economic development process, should the design and enforcement of their CLP vary and, if so, in what ways?

The UNCTAD Model Law on Competition reflects the convergence and diversity of approaches in competition laws around the world. Its latest update will also be presented during the session.

Evaluating the effectiveness of competition law in the promotion of economic development and the effectiveness of capacity-building and technical assistance extended to newly established competition authorities

Taking into account development-related objectives that led a large number of developing countries to introduce competition laws and various forms of capacity building and technical assistance in this area, it appears apposite to evaluate their effectiveness in the promotion of economic development.

Some related key questions which will de discussed during this session include the following:

• How effective can CLP be in promoting economic development?
• What are the factors that can augment or impede such effectiveness?
• What are the success factors for effective capacity-building and technical assistance in this field?