OECD KPC Seminar Explores Competition Advocacy Strategies

Seoul, May 29-30, 2024 — The OECD Korea Policy Centre (KPC) hosted a two-day seminar focused on competition advocacy strategies. Experts, policymakers, and representatives from various countries gathered to discuss key topics related to competition policy.

Highlights of the Seminar:

1. Day 1: May 29, 2024

   • Opening Remarks:
     • Ms. Alessandra Tonazzi (Senior Competition Expert, OECD)
     • Mr. Hotae Kim (Director General, OECD KPC Competition Programme)
   • Group Photo Session
   • Participants’ Introductions:
     • Attendees briefly introduced themselves and their agencies.
   • Competition Assessment:
     • Part I led by Mr. Ori Schwartz (Head of Competition Division, OECD)
     • Experiences in competition assessment from ASEAN countries (ASEAN Secretariat Representative, TBC/Online)
   • Lunch Break
   • Competition Assessment:
     • Part II presented by Ms. Songrim Koo (Senior Competition Expert, OECD)
   • Market Studies for Advocacy:
     • Mr. Ori Schwartz discussed the use of market studies to support advocacy.
     • Mr. Paul Barnes (Head of Advocacy, Strategy Communication and Advocacy, CMA UK) shared insights on the UK context (online).
   • Competition Impact Assessment:
     • Mr. Alexander Hodnett (Principal Advisor, Strategy Communication and Advocacy, CMA UK) addressed this topic (online).

2. Day 2: May 30, 2024

   • Competition Advocacy Strategy in Korea:
     • Mr. Dongyeon Kim (Director, OECD KPC Competition Programme) highlighted improvements in competition-restricting regulations.
   • Promoting a Competition Culture:
     • Mr. Timothy Paul Ker (Head Advisory & International Affairs, Hong Kong Competition Commission) emphasized the importance of fostering a competition culture.
   • Lunch Break
   • Assessing and Communicating Benefits:
     • Ms. Alessandra Tonazzi discussed effective ways to assess and communicate the benefits of competition interventions.
   • Case Studies on Advocacy:
     • Ms. Liasari Sunaryo (Investigator, KPPU, Indonesia) and Ms. Ambreen Abbasi (Director General, Competition Commission of Pakistan) shared insights from their respective countries.
   • Malaysia Case Study:
     • Mr. Iskandar Ismail (Chief Executive Officer, Malaysia Competition Commission) presented a case study.
   • Wrap-up Session and Closing Ceremony

The seminar provided valuable insights into competition policy and strategies for promoting fair markets and economic growth.