Port Louis —   What is the objective of the Competition Bill?

This bill is one of the main components of the economic reform. It aims at free and fair competition rules between all operators to achieve better growth. Consumers should be the main winners of this new legislation. It was made public by the minister of Trade, Rajesh Jeetah, and the attorney general, Rama Valayden, last Monday. All stakeholders and the public at large can now access the bill and make suggestions and proposals to the ministry before its introduction in Parliament.

 What is the competition commission?

The competition commission is the regulatory body of the law - and one of its most important elements.

It will be the body responsible for keeping an eye on situations where competition can't operate and take remedial action. Situations of monopolies, cartels and collusions are particularly targeted by this bill.

 Will the commission take action against any company having more than 30% of market shares - thus considered as a monopolistic situation?

No, having a monopoly is not an offence in itself. The commission will have to see whether the company is abusing its dominating situation. The brand should, however, not use its privileged position to prevent any competitor from launching competitive products. The accessibility to substitute products or alternative suppliers will also be a criterion for the commission to determine whether it should take action or not.