The role and design of competition law and policy in developing countries : issues and problems

The economic reforms under way in most developing countries are directed towards the establishment of an open market economy. These efforts have been initiated in the belief that it is within such an environment that resources could be best utilised in furtherance of economic development. Increasing attention is being directed towards competition law and policy as an essential tool for the attainment of this objective.However, the role and design of competition law and policy ought to reflect the peculiar economic, political and social conditions prevalent in developing countries. Thus, one cannot expect that models of competition suited to developed market economies are applicable ipso facto to developing ones.This thesis identifies some of the peculiarities of the developing country environment, including the nature of domestic markets, and the confluence of political and economic power, and suggests the manner in which these may have to influence competition law and policy in such countries