ASTANA – Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) member Minister Nurlan Aldabergenov explained the work of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) antimonopoly body at a May 20 antimonopoly regulation meeting of the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs (NCE).
“The integration between our countries has significantly increased in recent years; as a result, we have large companies that operate in two to three countries simultaneously. Therefore, to track and ensure equal conditions of competition so that there are no cartels or price fixes and to provide for fair competition, an antimonopoly authority has been created that acts in the name of the EEC,” he said.
“First, we are conducting elucidative work at the NCE meeting we are holding. Also, a memorandum on the establishment of a joint working group in order to prevent certain types of violations of the major manufacturers will be signed today. The electricity, railways, food and manufacturing industries markets of the countries of the customs union are very important for Kazakhstan,” he continued.
Aldabergenov emphasised that it is necessary to protect Kazakhstan’s own markets, and correspondingly, a level playing field must be maintained. There should be no evidence of discrimination.
“The Eurasian Economic Commission accepted all of the regulatory framework for monitoring compliance with the general rules of competition in cross-border markets. Furthermore, an agreement on the protection of confidential information and accountability for its disclosure came into force on May 12, which gives the EEC the authority to monitor compliance with uniform rules on competition,” said Aldabergenov.
The national antimonopoly authority will complete an investigation when the rules of fair competition are violated in the territory of an EAEU member state, he said. If the violation affects several states, an investigation is carried out directly by the EEC. Subsequently, the case can be referred to the EAEU court in Minsk, Belarus.
“If an investigation requires certain procedural activities, i.e. inspection of the scene, witness attestation or collecting evidence, these are conducted in cooperation with national antimonopoly authorities. This efficient mechanism has now entered into force,” he added.
There have not been any violations yet, but there are some cases with signs of unfair competition that will be examined, said Aldabergenov.
