Consistencies And Inconsistencies Between Trade And Competition Policies

The links between trade policy and competition policy have become more important in recent years. This book -- which includes a whole chapter on the telecommunications sector -- throws new light on all these issues in the lead up to the WTO's new round of negotiations.

This thorough appraisal of competition law and policy from an international and comparative perspective covers the role of different international organisations active in the area, the significance of multinational enterprises and, in particular, the differences between US and EU systems. Taking examples from regions such as Africa, the Middle East and Asia, Maher M. Dabbah looks at the law and policy in developing countries and at a regional level, the internationalisation of competition law and the doctrines of extraterritoriality, bilateral cooperation and multilateral cooperation as well as the relationship between competition and trade policy. The book should prove useful to anyone who is interested in gaining an insight into the international dimension of competition law and policy. It is written in a language and style which make such a complex topic both possible to understand and enjoyable.

A dynamic and competitive environment, underpinned by competition law policy, is an essential characteristic of successful market economies. To satisfy the growing demand for information on current approaches and practices in competition law policy, the project "Framework for the Design and Implementation of Competition Law-Policy" was initiated by the World Bank, with participation by OECD. This ensuing volume reflects the main issues that arise in design and implementation of competition law and policy in order to assist countries in developing an approach that suits their own needs and conditions. The views articulated in this publication suggest that the administration and enforcement of competition law policy should assign the greatest importance to fostering economic efficiency and consumer welfare.

The widespread move towards more market-driven models of political economy combined with the expanding internationalisation of business and commerce has led to a series of proposals for global competition rules. To date these proposals have been hotly contested. A critical issue is whether some form of international rule-making is required, or whether soft law solutions are sufficient. Competition rules may be required to combat the damage done by global cartels and to diffuse the tensions created when more than one nation seeks to regulate the same conduct. Competition rules may also be required to protect the integrity of the world trading system. International rule-making, however, presents its own problems, not the least of which is a concern with protecting national sovereignty.

The internationalisation of antitrust policy is a topic of great contemporary significance and debate. Dr Dabbah provides an inquiry that is at once clearly stated, original and empirical, setting out the relevant issues in the context of law, economics and politics. He draws on the decisional practice of antitrust authorities, actions and statements of political bodies, as well as the decisions of law courts. Providing a detailed examination of the experiences of the European Community and the United States, Dr Dabbah includes a comprehensive examination of central concepts and ideas related to antitrust law and practice. The book concludes by looking forward to potential developments in the landscape and suggests an approach to the internationalisation of antitrust policy. This will be of interest to antitrust officials, as well as international organisations, members of the business community, academics, researchers and policy-makers who are involved in antitrust law and policy.