We work to protect and promote competition in the Kuwait economy through the enforcement of a competition regime that provides the enabling environment to encourage a vibrant economy with competitive markets and innovative businesses delivering better deals for consumers.
The CPA was established in 2012by Law No. 10 of 2007 Concerning the Protection of Competition. It is an administrative body under the Minister of Commerce and Industry .
Our responsibilities are set out under the Law as follows:
- To investigate alleged anticompetitive conduct
- To conduct market studies and research into markets where there may be competition problems
- To authorize, with or without conditions, [or prohibit] mergers and acquisitions of which it receives notice
- To grant or refuse applications for exemptions from the Law
- To implement policies and regulations to protect and promote competition in the market
- To propose laws and regulations related to the protection of competition and advise on drafts referred to us
- To implement measures to raise awareness of the provisions of the Law and the benefits of competition
- To prepare reports on our activities including an annual report for the Council of Ministers
What we do
The stated aim of Kuwait's competition law is to ensure free economic activity for all without competition being restricted, prevented or harmed. The Law prohibits anticompetitive activities. Prohibited activities include agreements that prevent, restrict or distort competition, abuse of dominance and anticompetitive mergers.
The CPA administers and enforces the Law through its enforcement and advocacy activities. The CPA enforces the Law by taking action against anticompetitive activities. At the same time it seeks to advocate for pro-competition practices and policies to the government, the business community and the public.
The CPA's functions are therefore structured around four main pillars:
- Investigating possible anticompetitive behavior by businesses. If a business' conduct is found to be anticompetitive, the CPA can require the offending party to cease and desist the anticompetitive activity, and fines can be imposed.
- Evaluating certain categories of potentially anticompetitive conducts that may qualify for exemption from the general prohibitions in the competition law.
- Controlling mergers and acquisitions in order to ensure that these operations do not lead to a reduction of effective competition in the affected markets.
- Advocating for competition in markets through studies, opinions on legal texts and proposals as well as raising awareness of the benefits of competition with policy-makers, the business community and the public at large.
