KABEER YOUSUF -
MUSCAT Dec 18 -
A new centre will bring to book those indulging in unfair competition and monopolistic practices in the Sultanate.
Called the ‘Competition Protection and Monopoly Prevention Centre’ (CMC), it has been formed as per the Royal Decree No 2/2018, which traces the Royal Decree No 22/2018 amending the Competition Protection and Monopoly Prevention Law promulgated by Royal Decree No 67/2014.
It will be the apex body for evaluating complaints against unfair market practices.
“The purpose of this entity — CMC — is to create a level-playing field for competitors irrespective of their size,” Dr Dhafir al Shanfari, Acting CEO of CMC, told the Observer at a workshop organised by the centre.
“The centre is proceeding with implementation of the law. It will be a small and gradual implementation that will not harm the business environment in the country,” he said.
According to him, a lot of complaints of unfair competition have been received from the public. An online platform will be launched to deal with such complaints, said Dr Dhafir, who is also the CEO of Omani Authority for Partnership for Development (OAPFD).
Competition Law says complaints related to predatory pricing, which means selling a product at a lower price to prevent market entry or exclude competitors or make them unable to carry out activities; and refusal to deal/ supply goods in order to restrict market entry or eliminate a business from the market, which are considered “grave situations”, will be given due importance.
He said the objective is to learn from some of the best practices around the world. “We look forward to working with regulatory agencies not only in the Sultanate but also around the world.”
The workshop saw experts in competition and anti-monopoly areas along with stakeholders from regulatory agencies such as Public Authority for Consumer Protection, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry and leading SMEs.
More than 100 people from more than 40 organisations took part. Their suggestions will be collated and sent to the authorities concerned.
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