Fiji’s first-ever Pacific Island Network of Competition, Consumer and Economic Regulators conference aims to foster a fair and open market across the Pacific.
Permanent Secretary for Trade, Shaheen Ali highlighted this while officiating at the conference organised by the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission in Nadi.
Ali says by aligning the competition policies and regulations, they can create a level playing field for businesses, ensuring that no single entity or entities can dominate the market unfairly.
He says through the conference they can harmonise the competition laws and it is to establish mechanisms for cross-border cooperation in investigation, addressing anti-competitive practices.
The Permanent Secretary says this will also enable them to tackle issues that transcend national borders effectively, invest in training, develop regulatory authorities and enhance the ability to enforce competition laws.
Ali further says developing a comprehensive framework that outlines the fundamental rights of consumers across the Pacific will provide a consistent basis for consumer protection in terms of the laws and regulations.
Meanwhile, the FCCC Chair, Isikeli Tikoduadua says this conference is to set the stage for a future where the market will operate more efficiently, fairly and sustainably, benefiting all consumers in the diverse and vibrant communities.
The FCCC Chair says this collaboration is not merely a choice, but a necessity as the complexity of modern economies requires a coordinated and cohesive approach.
Tikoduadua adds it is also imperative that they recognize the dynamic nature of the global economy, the rapid advancement of technology, the increasing interconnections of markets and the evolving consumer behaviour challenges and opportunities.
