Competition Law at Myanmar
Here’s an overview of Competition Law in Myanmar:
Competition Law in Myanmar
1. Legal Framework:
Myanmar does not yet have a comprehensive, standalone competition law.
However, competition-related issues are governed partly by provisions under various laws and policies, such as the Myanmar Companies Law, Fair Trading Law (2013), and sector-specific regulations.
The government has expressed intentions to introduce a dedicated competition law, but as of now, no formal competition law has been enacted.
2. Current Regulatory Environment:
The Fair Trading Law (2013), administered by the Consumer Affairs Department under the Ministry of Commerce, addresses certain unfair trade practices and consumer protection issues but is limited in scope regarding competition.
Anti-competitive practices such as price fixing or abuse of dominance are not comprehensively regulated under existing laws.
3. Objectives (where applicable):
Protect consumers from unfair business practices.
Promote fair trade and market fairness.
Regulate monopolistic behavior in specific sectors through sectoral authorities.
4. Enforcement Authorities:
No dedicated competition authority exists yet.
Regulatory oversight is fragmented among different ministries and agencies depending on the sector.
Consumer protection is overseen by the Consumer Affairs Department.
5. Challenges and Developments:
Myanmar is in the early stages of developing its competition policy framework.
The government has sought technical assistance and advice from international organizations (e.g., UNCTAD, World Bank) to draft competition legislation.
There is growing recognition of the importance of competition law to support economic liberalization and attract foreign investment.
Summary
Myanmar currently lacks a formal competition law regime and dedicated enforcement authority. While consumer protection laws address some unfair practices, comprehensive competition regulation is still under development. The government is moving toward establishing a competition framework as part of its broader economic reforms.
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