The Annual Workshop of the International Competition Network (ICN) Advocacy Working Group has been launched in Yerevan, Republic of Armenia, with the participation of delegates from 32 countries, including representatives of competition authorities and competition experts.
In 2024, ICN announced a call for expression of interest to host 2026 ICN Advocacy Workshop. As a result, the Republic of Armenia, represented by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, was selected as the host.
“This is the first time that the competition authority of Armenia has had the opportunity to host such an event in our country. Moreover, two days later we will also host an event of the OECD Regional Center for Competition in Budapest. This is important, first of all, as it demonstrates our capabilities and readiness to host such events. It also serves as a signal from our international partners, indicating the continuous development of Armenia,” emphasized Mr. Gegham Gevorgyan, the Chairman of Competition and Consumer Protection Commission of the Republic of Armenia.
Mr. Gevorg Papoyan, Minister of Economy of the Republic of Armenia, delivered a welcoming speech at the opening ceremony of the workshop.
An effective competitive environment contributes to the diversification of the economy, promotes innovation, increases investment attractiveness, and ensures more effective protection of consumer interests. Therefore, the development of competition policy and its effective implementation play an important role in the process of shaping and executing economic policy,” Minister Papoyan noted.
The Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Gegham Gevorgyan, also delivered a keynote speech on the topic “The Importance of Competition Advocacy in Today’s Fast-Changing Global Economy”.
During the two-day workshop, sessions and discussions will be held, where speakers will address current issues related to the competition sector.
The International Competition Network aims to promote cooperation among competition authorities worldwide. The Competition Authority of Armenia has been a member of the ICN since 2001 and is included in three working groups.
