Challenges

Many Arab countries face significant challenges in developing and implementing effective competition laws and policies. These challenges include underdeveloped institutional frameworks, limited regional coordination, and varying levels of legal and technical capacity. As a result, markets may suffer from monopolistic practices, inefficiencies, and reduced consumer welfare—hindering inclusive and sustainable economic development.

The Arab Competition Forum (ACF), jointly organized by ESCWA, UNCTAD, and OECD, was established to address these gaps by offering a regional platform for peer learning, policy dialogue, and cooperation. It facilitates the exchange of best practices tailored to the region’s legal and economic contexts, helping countries strengthen their policy frameworks, enhance institutional effectiveness, and learn from international and regional experiences. The Forum responds to the growing need for structured collaboration among Arab countries to support stronger, fairer, and more competitive markets.

Toward a Solution

The Arab Competition Forum (ACF), established in 2020, aims to foster competitive and transparent markets across the Arab region by addressing challenges such as varying institutional capacities, diverse legal frameworks, and the absence of a dedicated platform for collaboration on competition policy. As a unique regional initiative, the ACF seeks to build national capacities and encourage inclusive economic development through regular dialogue, peer learning, and South-South cooperation.?

The Forum contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), notably SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). By facilitating regional coordination, promoting fair markets, and strengthening institutions, the ACF assists Arab countries in aligning their competition policies with broader development objectives.?

The ACF’s methodology emphasizes participation and regional collaboration. Prior to each edition, surveys are distributed to Arab competition authorities to identify key challenges, capacity gaps, and priority topics, ensuring that the Forum’s themes and sessions reflect regional needs. During the closing session, participants develop a set of recommendations based on their discussions, outlining practical steps for follow-up. Post-Forum surveys are conducted to evaluate the impact of sessions and gather feedback to enhance future editions. This participatory process ensures the Forum remains relevant and action-oriented.?

Jointly organized by ESCWA, UNCTAD, and the OECD, in cooperation with the host country and participating competition authorities, the ACF benefits from a collaborative structure. Partners work together to shape the agenda, identify speakers, and design technical sessions. National authorities actively contribute by sharing experiences, highlighting challenges, and presenting recent initiatives or reforms, grounding the Forum in the realities of Arab institutions.?

The ACF combines policy dialogue, technical learning, and peer exchange to encourage the sharing and adaptation of good practices. It provides a space where countries with varying levels of experience can learn from one another, strengthen their systems, and build on existing knowledge. The Forum also integrates international expertise through triangular cooperation, allowing countries to benefit from global standards while adapting them to the regional context.?

Since its inception, the ACF has grown significantly, lately attracting over 100 participants annually from at least 20 Arab countries. This increasing engagement reflects a heightened regional commitment to fostering fair and competitive markets. The Forum has been instrumental in initiating legal reforms, leading to the adoption of new or amended competition laws and the restructuring of institutions in several countries Notably, since 2020, over 11 Arab countries have either introduced new competition laws or enacted significant amendments to their existing frameworks, totaling 15 legislative changes. This momentum has also sparked a growing demand for localized capacity-building. Several Arab countries have requested ESCWA for targeted technical assistance, including national workshops on specific competition-related topics, conferences, training for judges, and support in conducting market studies. These requests highlight the Forum’s success in raising awareness and positioning competition policy as a key pillar of economic governance and sustainable development in the region.

A distinctive feature of the ACF is its innovative approach. The introduction of the Student Challenge Award during the third edition invites university students from the host country to submit original case studies on the Forum’s theme, with top submissions presented at the Forum, integrating fresh academic insights into the broader dialogue on competition policy. Additionally, the ACF’s practice of rotating its annual themes and hosting locations among different Arab countries enhances its regional impact, ensuring that the Forum addresses pressing issues in competition policy while at the same time promoting cultural exchange and mutual understanding among participating nations.?

Sustainability is embedded in the Forum through its integration into ESCWA’s regional program and continuing partnerships with UNCTAD and the OECD. This collaborative framework ensures consistent support and relevance. Several Arab countries have leveraged insights from the Forum to inform legislation, implement institutional reforms, and enhance inter-agency collaboration, reflecting the ACF’s lasting influence on sustainable growth and the SDGs.

?The ACF model offers a replicable framework for regions with diverse institutional landscapes, such as Southeast Asia. Key factors for successful adaptation include dedicated institutional partners, ongoing engagement, and a structure that emphasizes collaborative learning. By providing an inclusive, cooperative, and evolving platform, the ACF exemplifies how sustained peer engagement can drive tangible reforms and foster more competitive and equitable economies.?