Global Forum on Competition 2021

The OECD Global Forum on Competition brings together every year competition officials from over 110 authorities and organisations worldwide.

In 2021, due to Covid the Forum was held virtually over three days and opened with a discussion on "Trade, development and competition" featuring Mathias Cormann (OECD Secretary General), a keynote address by Kristalina Georgieva (Managing Director, International Monetary Fund), special remarks by Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Director-General, WTO) and Rebeca Grynspan (Secretary-General, UNCTAD). 

Four other sessions open to competition authorities only explored: Economic analysis and evidence in abuse cases, Peer Review of Tunisia, The promotion of competitive neutrality by competition authorities and Peer Review of Eurasian Economic Union.

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. 

This session, open to the public, tried to explore the link between these policy areas, and where there are tensions and common ground. 

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Watch the replay of the session ⬇️

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. 

The final publication was launched in Tunis in April 2022. 

Read the peer review of Tunisia

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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. 

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Break-out sessions:

Topic 1: Techniques and evidence for assessing market power 

Topic 2: Techniques and evidence for assessing exclusive dealing and bundling 

Topic 3: Techniques and evidence for assessing predatory pricing, margin squeeze and exploitative abuses 

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.

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In 2021, the Eurasian Economic Union underwent a peer review of its competition law and policy during the 20th OECD Global Forum on Competition. 

This peer review focused 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.

Read the peer review (also available in Russian)