4th BRICS International Competition Conference

EThekwini welcomes delegates attending the 4th BRICS International Competition Conference from 12 to 13 November 2015 at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre.

The BRICS Conference takes place every two years and all the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) member states rotate in hosting this prestigious event. This is a strategic platform to explore developing country perspectives on competition policy, and to get an update and insights on developments in BRICS countries.

The BRICS Conference is preceded by two events; a Joint Workshop and the 9th Annual Conference 10 and 11 November 2015, respectively. The workshop is co-hosted by the Commission, Competition and Regulation European Summer School (CRESSE), based in Greece, and the University of KwaZulu-Natal. The workshop will cover lectures in competition policy.

The 9th Annual Conference on Competition Law, Economics & Policy is an annual academic platform to discuss cases and developments in competition law enforcement. There will be a blend of panel discussions and plenary sessions featuring renowned local and international speakers.

The event brings together experts in competition law to explore how competition policies can contribute to inclusive growth and economic development in BRICS countries.

Previous conferences, held by the Federal Antimonopoly Services of Russia in 2009, the State Administration for Industry and Commerce of the People’s Republic of China in 2011 and Competition Commission of India in 2013, created a solid platform on which BRICS member states can deepen their relations in the field of competition regulation.

International speakers confirmed include heads of the BRICS competition authorities among others while mmembers of the South African government, including Minister Ebrahim Patel, Minister Blade Nzimande, eThekwini Mayor, His Worship, Cllr James Nxumalo; KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Mr Senzo Mchunu and MEC of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Mr Mike Mabuyakhulu.

Commissioner Thembinkosi Bonakele and Competition Tribunal Chairman, Mr Norman Manoim, will lead the South African competition authorities’ delegation. South Africa’s strong competition regulation enables citizens to participate fairly in the national economy. It promotes the involvement of more people in the productive sectors of the economy and levels the playing field in business.

South Africa’s competition regulation contributes to greater citizen participation and it has made material strides in combating cartels and price-fixing. It has led the way in the application of public interest considerations in mergers and acquisitions.

This year’s Conference theme is “Competition and Inclusive Growth”, which seeks to explore, among others, the intersection between competition policy and economic development. This is an important issue for BRICS member states as they are uniquely placed to promote and expand an appreciation of competition regulation that recognises the specific needs and demands of the developing world.