MUSCAT: The Competition Protection and Monopoly Prevention Centre at Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion organised a specialised workshop in Muscat on mechanisms for submitting economic concentration applications, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen compliance with competition regulations and enhance transparency in the market.
The workshop brought together representatives from several law firms handling economic concentration applications on behalf of companies, particularly in relation to mergers and acquisitions.
Discussions focused on the legal and procedural framework governing economic concentration applications, including cases requiring prior approval, application procedures, required documentation and the criteria used by ministry specialists to assess and review submissions.
Participants also took part in an interactive discussion session addressing key challenges faced by companies and legal representatives in complying with economic concentration regulations, as well as mechanisms for improving procedures in line with applicable laws and regulations.
Ghalib bin Said al Maamari, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion for Commerce and Industry, said the workshop reflects the ministry’s commitment to raising awareness about economic concentration procedures and promoting compliance with competition laws.
He noted that strengthening understanding of application mechanisms contributes to regulating economic activity, reinforcing market principles and ensuring price freedom without restricting fair competition.
Sultan bin Saif al Maawali, Head of the Economic Concentration Applications Oversight Section at the Competition Protection and Monopoly Prevention Centre, said the workshop aimed to enhance awareness of legal procedures and requirements related to economic concentration activities, including mergers and acquisitions.
He explained that the ministry plays a central role in reviewing applications and ensuring that transactions comply with the Competition Protection and Monopoly Prevention Law and its implementing regulations.
Al Maawali added that the workshop also sought to provide legal representatives and companies with greater clarity regarding regulatory expectations and assessment standards applied during the review process.
Meanwhile, Wahibah bint Rashid al Hinai, economic researcher at the Competition Protection and Monopoly Prevention Centre, stressed the importance of companies submitting applications before completing any economic concentration transaction.
She noted that early compliance with regulatory requirements supports transparency and contributes to building a healthy competitive environment that supports sustainable economic growth.
The workshop concluded with an emphasis on the importance of continuing such awareness programmes to help law firms and businesses better understand regulatory frameworks governing mergers, acquisitions and market concentration activities.
Officials said these initiatives form part of broader efforts to strengthen fair competition practices and enhance confidence in Oman’s business and investment environment. — ONA
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