Saudi Competition Chief Meets UNCTAD Head in Paris

Riyadh, December 5, 2024 — The CEO of the General Authority for Competition (GAC), Dr. Fahad Al-Shathri, met with Teresa Moreira, Head of the Competition and Consumer Policies Branch at the United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD), on the sidelines of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Global Forum on Competition, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). The high-level meeting focused on enhancing cooperation in competition policy, exchanging expertise and knowledge between the GAC and UNCTAD, and exploring practical avenues for transferring and sharing expertise across the region. The encounter underscores Saudi Arabia’s active engagement with leading international organizations as part of its broader commitment to market fairness and economic modernization.

Why does a single meeting between a Saudi regulator and a United Nations body matter to global markets and consumers? Because competition policy is the invisible infrastructure of a healthy economy. When the GAC sits down with UNCTAD, it is not merely a diplomatic courtesy; it is a signal that the Kingdom is aligning its regulatory framework with international best practices. This alignment is central to Saudi Vision 2030, the national transformation plan that seeks to diversify the economy, attract foreign investment, and foster a vibrant private sector. The meeting took place during the OECD Global Forum on Competition, a premier gathering of competition authorities from around the world, which itself demonstrates the GAC’s growing stature on the global stage.

Context and Background

What is the General Authority for Competition, and why is its work so important to Saudi Arabia’s economic future? Established to protect consumers and ensure a level playing field for businesses, the GAC is the Kingdom’s primary antitrust and competition regulator. It investigates anticompetitive practices, reviews mergers and acquisitions, and promotes a culture of fair competition. Under the leadership of Dr. Fahad Al-Shathri, the authority has intensified its efforts to align with international standards, recognizing that robust competition policy is a prerequisite for a dynamic, innovation-driven economy. The meeting with UNCTAD’s Teresa Moreira is a direct continuation of that strategic direction.

UNCTAD, the United Nations body responsible for trade and development issues, has long been a champion of competition and consumer protection policies, particularly in developing economies. Its Competition and Consumer Policies Branch provides technical assistance, research, and a platform for international dialogue. By engaging with UNCTAD, the GAC gains access to a wealth of global expertise, comparative legal frameworks, and capacity-building resources. In turn, Saudi Arabia can share its own experiences and contribute to shaping international norms, especially in the Middle East and North Africa region. This two-way exchange is a hallmark of the Kingdom’s increasingly proactive foreign economic policy.

The OECD Global Forum on Competition, where the meeting took place, is one of the most influential annual events for competition agencies. It brings together senior officials from over 100 jurisdictions to discuss emerging challenges, from digital markets to cartel enforcement. That the GAC CEO was present and held bilateral talks with UNCTAD leadership highlights Saudi Arabia’s integration into the global competition community. It also reflects the Kingdom’s broader strategy of multilateral engagement, which includes active participation in the G20, the World Trade Organization, and other key international economic institutions.

Key Details of the Meeting

What specifically was discussed between Dr. Al-Shathri and Teresa Moreira? According to the official SPA report, the two sides explored “enhancing means of cooperation in competition, exchanging experiences and knowledge between the authority and the organization, and opportunities for practical cooperation in the transfer and exchange of expertise in the region.” This language points to a substantive agenda: joint training programs, technical assistance, and possibly collaborative research on competition issues relevant to the region. The emphasis on “transfer and exchange of expertise” suggests a focus on capacity building, helping GAC staff and other regional authorities adopt best practices in market analysis, case handling, and advocacy.

The meeting also served to highlight Saudi Arabia’s efforts in protecting markets and promoting fair competition. The GAC has been increasingly visible in enforcing competition law, conducting market studies, and raising awareness among businesses and consumers. By partnering with UNCTAD, the authority can benchmark its performance against international standards and adopt proven methodologies. This is particularly important as Saudi Arabia accelerates privatization, encourages foreign direct investment, and develops new sectors under Vision 2030. A strong competition regime reassures investors that they will operate in a transparent and rule-based environment.

Furthermore, the regional dimension cannot be overlooked. The GAC has positioned itself as a leader among Middle Eastern competition authorities, often hosting events and providing guidance to neighboring countries. Cooperation with UNCTAD amplifies this role, enabling the Kingdom to serve as a hub for competition policy excellence in the Arab world. The meeting therefore carries implications beyond Saudi borders, potentially influencing the broader region’s approach to market regulation and consumer protection.

International and Regional Impact

How does this meeting resonate beyond Saudi Arabia’s borders? For international observers, it reinforces the Kingdom’s reputation as a responsible and engaged global economic player. In recent years, Saudi Arabia has taken significant steps to modernize its legal and regulatory infrastructure, from new investment laws to enhanced intellectual property protections. Competition policy is a critical piece of this puzzle, and collaboration with UNCTAD signals that the Kingdom is serious about creating a business environment that meets global expectations. This can boost confidence among foreign investors and multinational corporations considering entry into the Saudi market.

Regionally, the GAC’s partnership with UNCTAD could catalyze similar efforts in neighboring countries. Many economies in the Middle East are undergoing their own diversification drives, and competition policy is increasingly recognized as a tool for fostering entrepreneurship and curbing monopolistic practices. By sharing its experiences and leveraging UNCTAD’s expertise, Saudi Arabia can help raise the bar for competition enforcement across the region. This aligns with the Kingdom’s broader vision of stability and prosperity in the Middle East, where economic integration and cooperation are seen as pillars of long-term peace and development.

Economic and Strategic Significance

Why should economists and business leaders pay attention to this meeting? Competition policy directly affects market outcomes: it influences prices, innovation, and the ease of doing business. A well-functioning competition authority deters cartels, prevents abuse of dominance, and ensures that mergers do not harm consumers. For Saudi Arabia, where the government is actively reducing barriers to entry and encouraging private sector growth, the GAC’s work is indispensable. The meeting with UNCTAD provides access to international best practices that can make the GAC more effective, ultimately benefiting consumers and businesses alike.

Strategically, the encounter underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to multilateralism and rule-based international economic order. In a world where trade tensions and protectionist tendencies are on the rise, the Kingdom is choosing engagement and cooperation. This stance enhances its soft power and positions it as a bridge-builder between developed and developing economies. It also complements Vision 2030’s goal of transforming Saudi Arabia into a global investment powerhouse and a hub for trade and logistics. A robust competition framework is a key ingredient in that recipe, as it assures investors that market access will be fair and transparent.

Vision 2030 Alignment

How does this meeting fit into the grand tapestry of Saudi Vision 2030? Vision 2030 is not just about economic diversification; it is about creating a thriving, competitive economy where the private sector can flourish. The GAC’s collaboration with UNCTAD directly supports several Vision 2030 objectives, including enhancing the business environment, attracting foreign investment, and promoting fair competition. By adopting international best practices, the authority helps ensure that markets function efficiently, which in turn drives productivity, innovation, and job creation. These are essential for achieving the ambitious targets set out in the Vision, such as increasing non-oil revenues and boosting the private sector’s contribution to GDP.

Looking ahead, the partnership between the GAC and UNCTAD is expected to deepen. Future activities may include joint workshops, staff exchanges, and collaborative studies on emerging competition issues such as digital platforms and sustainability. As Saudi Arabia continues its journey toward a diversified, knowledge-based economy, the role of effective competition policy will only grow. The meeting in Paris is a small but significant step in a long-term strategy to build a world-class regulatory ecosystem. It reflects the Kingdom’s determination to learn from global partners while contributing its own insights, thereby strengthening both its economy and its international standing.

20 Questions

Q1. Who represented the General Authority for Competition at the meeting with UNCTAD?

A1. The CEO of the General Authority for Competition, Dr. Fahad Al-Shathri, represented the authority.

Q2. Who did Dr. Fahad Al-Shathri meet with from UNCTAD?

A2. He met with Teresa Moreira, Head of the Competition and Consumer Policies Branch at UNCTAD.

Q3. Where did this meeting take place?

A3. The meeting occurred on the sidelines of the OECD Global Forum on Competition.

Q4. What was the main purpose of the meeting?

A4. The purpose was to discuss enhancing cooperation in competition, exchanging experiences, and exploring practical collaboration.

Q5. What is the General Authority for Competition?

A5. It is Saudi Arabia’s primary regulator responsible for protecting consumers and ensuring fair competition in markets.

Q6. What is UNCTAD?

A6. UNCTAD is the United Nations Trade and Development body, which promotes competition and consumer policies globally.

Q7. Why is cooperation with UNCTAD important for Saudi Arabia?

A7. It allows Saudi Arabia to access international expertise and align its competition framework with global best practices.

Q8. What does the GAC hope to achieve through this cooperation?

A8. The GAC aims to enhance its enforcement capabilities, share knowledge, and contribute to regional competition policy development.

Q9. How does this meeting relate to Saudi Vision 2030?

A9. It supports Vision 2030 by promoting a competitive business environment, attracting investment, and fostering economic diversification.

Q10. What specific areas of cooperation were discussed?

A10. Discussions covered exchanging experiences, knowledge transfer, and practical cooperation in competition policy across the region.

Q11. What is the OECD Global Forum on Competition?

A11. It is a major annual event where competition authorities from around the world discuss emerging issues and best practices.

Q12. How does the GAC protect markets in Saudi Arabia?

A12. The GAC enforces competition law, reviews mergers, investigates anticompetitive practices, and advocates for fair competition.

Q13. What benefits does international cooperation bring to Saudi consumers?

A13. It leads to better enforcement, lower prices, more choices, and higher quality goods and services.

Q14. Is this the first time the GAC has engaged with UNCTAD?

A14. The GAC regularly collaborates with international organizations; this meeting is part of ongoing engagement.

Q15. What role does the GAC play in the region?

A15. The GAC is a regional leader, often sharing expertise and hosting events to promote competition policy in the Middle East.

Q16. How does competition policy attract foreign investment?

A16. It ensures a level playing field, transparency, and rule of law, which reassures investors and reduces risks.

Q17. What are the next steps after this meeting?

A17. Future steps may include joint training, technical assistance, and collaborative research on competition issues.

Q18. How does the GAC measure its success?

A18. Success is measured by market fairness, consumer protection, and alignment with international standards.

Q19. What message does this meeting send to the global community?

A19. It shows Saudi Arabia’s commitment to multilateralism, open markets, and responsible economic governance.

Q20. How can the public learn more about the GAC’s work?

A20. Information is available through official Saudi channels, including the Saudi Press Agency and the GAC’s website.

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