28 Dec
THE Myanmar Competition Commission (MCC) has received ten complaints of unfair competition in the local market in one year, said U Ko Ko Lay, Deputy Director-General of the Trade Department, Ministry of Commerce, who is responsible for MCC.
He made the remarks at a media conference held by the Myanmar Competition Commission yesterday at the Department of Trade, Export/ Import office (Yangon branch), No. 228/240, Strand Road, Yangon.
“Since its formation on 31 October, 2018, the competition commission has received ten letters of complaint. Among them, four have been already resolved whereas the remaining six cases are under process. An investigation committee has been formed to look into any unfair competition in the market,” he added.
“Currently, two complaints have been completely resolved. These are concerned with selling of media supply and opening of an education center.
The remaining cases are concerned with digging of the ground and they are already under investigation. A case involving transportation will be negotiated through the regional authorities. We will look into other remaining cases by ourselves,” said U Ko Ko Lay.
“In view of the development of the nation’s economy, the entrepreneurs’ role is very important in the sense that they participate in ensuring free and fair competition among businesses,” said U Than Maung, vice chairman of the MCC.
“Therefore, the MCC needs to ensure there is fair competition in order to be able to strengthen the economy. On the other hand, entrepreneurs must respectfully obey the competition law,” he added.
Moreover, the competition law is not a law that constrains the business community and it is meant for the protection of businesses, according to the MCC.
The competition law prohibits unfair competition such as price fixing, restricting production, collusion in tendering or auctioning, discrimination among businessmen, denial of supply of products or their sale to other businesses, fixing unfair prices, abusing market dominance, and exchanging secret information on matters such as prices among competitors.
Those who violate the competition law will be imprisoned for up to three years, face a fine of up to K15 million, or both.
The Myanmar Competition Commission was formed on 31 December, 2018 to enforce the competition law, which was enacted in 2015.
The commission has the Minister for Commerce as its chairman, besides five representatives from the related ministries and another five persons representing lawyers and entrepreneurs. (Translated by Hay Mar)
