GEO
On November 20-22, 2024, the III International Conference on Competition Policy Enforcement and Consumer Protection was held, during which Georgia welcomed delegations from 15 countries.
The event was opened and addressed by Andreas Mundt, President of the Bundeskartellamt, Steering Group Chair of the International Competition Network (ICN). He remarked – “The Bundeskartellamt and the Georgian Competition and Consumer Agency share a long-standing relationship, and it is truly remarkable to witness the Agency's impressive progress since 2014, along with its continued success. This conference serves as an invaluable platform for global experts in competition policy and consumer protection to exchange knowledge and experiences in their fields”.
Teresa Moreira, Head of the Competition and Consumer Policy Branch of UNCTAD, delivered a keynote speech at the conference. She remarked, “Thank you to the organizers for hosting this important conference and for involving UNCTAD representatives. Organizing the International Conference on Competition and Consumer Protection in a format that unites regulators is an excellent example for the entire world. Such critical issues as competition and consumer rights are properly coordinated and jointly discussed in this framework. I extend my congratulations to the Georgian Competition and Consumer Agency (GCCA) on its remarkable achievements over the past 10 years. It is truly a pleasure for me to be part of this process. A comprehensive approach has always been central to UNCTAD, and this conference demonstrates how relevant parties can collaborate effectively to uphold these values and directions.
We must ensure that multipolarity is associated with cooperation, and we must remain committed to the values guiding the course of competition and consumer protection policies, because in a market economy, the freedom of choice for enterprises and consumers is of paramount importance. UNCTAD’s main focus is to assist developing countries. You can count on us, we will always support you in these aspirations.”
The conference was attended by more than 50 international and local speakers and over 300 delegates. Representatives from local and international organizations, including ICN, UNCTAD, OECD, EU DG COMP, and EU DG JUSTICE, along with various counterpart agencies, came together to discuss activities in the field of competition and consumer protection. The discussions covered challenges, results, and best practices at both international and local levels.
