CCP HOLDS SEMINAR AT SUKKUR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY

SUKKUR, 13 JANUARY 2016:

As part of Competition Caravan, the National Road Show on Competition Law, the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) held a seminar at the Sukkur Chamber of Commerce & Industry today in which the business community was briefed on the importance of competition law compliance.

The seminar was attended by Aamir Ali Khan Ghouri, President Sukkur Chamber, CCP Members Shahzad Ansar, Ikram Ul Haque Qureshi, Mueen Batlay, Director General International Affairs Ahmed Qadir and Director Advocacy & Media Asfandyar Khattak, Sukkur Chamber’s vice president, members of the executive committee and the business community in large number.

Addressing the seminar, the Chamber’s president Aamir Ali Khan Ghouri welcomed the advocacy initiative of CCP, which is very well timed and much-needed that will create awareness among the businesses and improve compliance with the law. He expressed the desire to keep a regular liaison with CCP through a focal person to be nominated by the Chamber. He also announced to distribute the Voluntary Competition Compliance Code of CCP among the members of the Chamber for its adoption by businesses.

Member OFT and Advocacy Shahzad Ansar in his remarks said that the adoption of the Voluntary Competition Compliance Code by companies will help create an environment of regulatory compliance and enable the corporate sector to benefit from a competitive economy. He said that CCP will keep regular interaction with the chambers of commerce to facilitate the resolution of their problems concerning competition.

Member Cartels & Trade Abuses and Legal Ikram Ul Haque Qureshi, briefed the participants on the importance of Competition Law enforcement for creating a level playing field for businesses, the salient features of the law, and the benefits drawn by the consumers after getting protected from anti-competitive practices. He explained the substantive provisions of the Competition Act, 2010 and said the Competition Law creates a level playing field for all businesses by removing entry barriers and discouraging discriminatory policies. He urged the business community to approach the CCP to assist CCP in identifying competition issues.

Shahzad Ansar in his presentation said that companies should exercise caution in advertising their products and should refrain from deceptive marketing practices. He explained the role of the Office of Fair Trade in dealing with deceptive marketing practices. CCP Member Mueen Batlay briefed the participants on the merger regime.

In the interactive session, the participants highlighted various competition issues and urged CCP to play its role for their resolution.