countries, and emphasizes that the application of the rules in force represents the weak point of systems in which the competition policy awareness is much needed but still anchored at a rudimentary stage. This is esp...countries, and emphasizes that the application of the rules in force represents the weak point of systems in which the competition policy awareness is much needed but still anchored at a rudimentary stage. This is especially evident when considering that, although such laws have been built up following the European Union model as regards to the forbidden practices, and the US system-with its combination of monetary fines and criminal approach-for the sanctions, the establishment of a legal environment “friendly competition” is far from effective enforcement. After providing an overview of the competition laws passed by the six GCC members, the paper highlights that, notwithstanding the wide arsenal of legal tools to curb possible anticompetitive practices made available under the national regimes, in all countries role and powers of the competition authorities are somewhat underrated. Due to such generalized lack of implementation, the article underlines the need for effective enforcement standards accompanied by a joint harmonized action against illegal competition to be undertaken at regional level in order to facilitate the flow of commerce, and strengthen the economy in the GCC marketplace.展开更多
文摘countries, and emphasizes that the application of the rules in force represents the weak point of systems in which the competition policy awareness is much needed but still anchored at a rudimentary stage. This is especially evident when considering that, although such laws have been built up following the European Union model as regards to the forbidden practices, and the US system-with its combination of monetary fines and criminal approach-for the sanctions, the establishment of a legal environment “friendly competition” is far from effective enforcement. After providing an overview of the competition laws passed by the six GCC members, the paper highlights that, notwithstanding the wide arsenal of legal tools to curb possible anticompetitive practices made available under the national regimes, in all countries role and powers of the competition authorities are somewhat underrated. Due to such generalized lack of implementation, the article underlines the need for effective enforcement standards accompanied by a joint harmonized action against illegal competition to be undertaken at regional level in order to facilitate the flow of commerce, and strengthen the economy in the GCC marketplace.
