CFTC WINS 2018 WORLD BANK / ICN COMPETITION ADVOCACY CONTEST
The World Bank Group and the International Competition Network (ICN) has named the Competition and Fair Trading Commission of Malawi as winner of the 2017/18 Competition Advocacy Contest.
Held under the theme “Closing the gap through competition advocacy: microeconomic policies, macroeconomic implications”, the contest was aimed at highlighting the key role competition agencies play in promoting competition by showcasing their advocacy success stories.
The CFTC entry into the competition advocacy contest was a story that underlined the importance competition authorities play in ensuring that the effects of trade protection measures benefit competition and ultimately safeguard consumer welfare, with a case study of the cement industry in Malawi.
The CFTC intervention in the cement industry in Malawi contributed to the prevention of the establishment of import barriers to cement.
Making the announcement, Martha Martinez Licetti, Global Lead on Markets and Competition Policy at the World Bank Group, said the CFTC's advocacy story was selected as Winner under the theme “Reaping the benefits of globalisation and trade openness”.
Licetti said:
“This is a great story in a key market that is typically subject to competition issues. Your intervention illustrates the benefits of the involvement of competition authorities in the decision on trade protection measures, and the importance both locally and regionally. Great example to share in the region and beyond. Well-deserved and keep up the good work.”
Reacting to the announcement, CFTC Executive Director, Charlotte Wezi Malonda said she was delighted with the recognition which she described as a big victory.
Malonda said the entry of foreign companies in the cement industry led to relatively lower prices as consumers enjoyed the benefits from economies of scale and efficient production systems.
Other winners in the competition from a total of 50 entries from 30 jurisdictions include the United Kingdom, Kenya, Brazil, Russia and Argentina while the European Competition Commission and Mexico received an honorable mention.
This is the third time that the World Bank and the ICN have recognized the CFTC in its role in safeguarding competition. In 2015 and 2016, the CFTC was awarded for its role in safeguarding competition in the sugar and credit referencing markets.
Locally, last year, the CFTC was awarded for its outstanding public service delivery for the second year running. The Commission has also received other performance related awards from the Anti Corruption Bureau and the Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI).
For more information, contact Mr. Innocent Helema on 0880725075 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
