Interaction Programme on
The Importance of Competition Law in Nepal

SAWTEE and Forum for Protection of Consumer Interest, Kathmandu, organised the half-day interaction programme on "The Importance of Competition Law in Nepal" on 5 August 2006 in Lalitpur. The programme was organised with the two main objectives:

• Discuss the weaknesses in the Draft Competition Act, which has been prepared by the government, with the Members of the Parliament (MPs) and media; and
• Sensitise the MPs on the importance of establishing and promoting 'competition culture' in Nepal.
  
  

At the programme, Dr Posh Raj Pandey, President, SAWTEE made a presentation on "Competition Law: Why and For Whom?". He emphasised that the competition law is not only meant to protect consumers' interests but also to promote private sector. He also highlighted on the need of an independent and strong 'competition authority' for effective implementation of the law.

Advocate Tika Ram Bhattarai made a presentation on "The Contours of Competition Law". He suggested the required amendments in the draft, arguing that if the proposed law is enacted, it will not help Nepal address the rampant anti-competitive practices prevalent in the Nepalese market.

Similarly, Advocate Jyoti Baniya, General Secretary of Forum for Protection of Consumer Interest and Mr Rajendra Khetan, President of Nepal Yuva Parisad also made presentations from the consumer and private sector perspectives, respectively.

After these presentations, MPs expressed their commitments to review the proposed law on competition before its enactment. They also mentioned that the government should assign a committee to review the draft and make required amendments. The MPs also suggested the organisers to submit a proposal on the required amendments.

The programme was attended by more than 35 MPs, and 15 media persons. Mr Subhas Nemwang, Speaker of the House, was the chief guest of the programme.