Cambodia, Philippines discuss competition law
THE Competition Commission of Cambodia (CCC) and the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) have discussed methods and means to expand cooperation to benefit the enforcement of competition law.
Commerce minister and CCC chairman Pan Sorasak led a delegation on a March 23-24 study visit to the PCC office in Quezon City, Philippines, at the invitation of PCC chairperson Michael Galicia Aguinaldo, according to the ministry’s March 24 press release.
“Through the GIZ-assisted project ‘Promotion of Competitiveness within the Framework of the Initiative for ASEAN Integration’ (COMPETE) phase II, the visit aimed to assist the CCC in acquiring a better understanding of the institutional set-up and best practices of PCC, particularly regarding the enforcement of competition law. It will also enhance bilateral cooperation between the CCC/CCF and the PCC,” it said.
“Sorasak highlighted the challenges of the nascent stage of regulations, including the building of credibility, and the benefits of turning to the best practices through the implementation of the “ASEAN Helps ASEAN” approach. They also discussed the various elements that contribute to a robust competitive regime,” it added.
During the visit, the delegation had the opportunity to learn about a number of key issues and themes delivered by the commissioners and directors of the PCC, including an overview of the Competition Regime of the Philippines and its organisational structure and functions. They also learned more about the PCC’s set-up experience and strategic planning, and worked on a roadmap to establishing a national competition policy. Workshops were also held on advocacy and engaging stakeholders, and the PCC’s procedures for competition enforcement and adjudication.
Sorasak congratulated Aguinaldo on his recent appointment as PCC chairperson.
“The minister also expressed his gratitude to the PCC officials who had made a significant contribution to the development of Cambodia’s competition regime, particularly in addressing capacitybuilding gaps to ensure ASEAN competition institutions can develop the skills and competencies needed to make law enforcement more effective in line with the Strategic Goal 2 of the ASEAN Competition Action Plan (ACAP 2025),” said the release.
“The two chairmen had a candid and productive discussion on strategies and ways to further strengthen and expand the cooperation between the two institutions for mutual interests as well as to achieve regional convergence,” it added.