Ku Assumes Presidency of Arab Competition Network for Two Years, Succeeding Saudi Arabia

Kuwait, represented by the Competition Protection Authority (CPA), has assumed the chairmanship of the Arab Competition Network for a two-year term, succeeding the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, during the network’s latest meeting. Executive Director Acting Director of the CPA, Rakan Al-Ajmi, was announced as the network’s chairman for the new term.

Launched in March 2022 at the headquarters of the Arab League in Cairo, the Arab Competition Network is a specialized platform aimed at enhancing cooperation among Arab competition authorities, supporting the enforcement of competition laws and policies, facilitating the exchange of expertise, and building institutional capacity. Its significance lies in coordinating efforts to address common challenges and cross-border anti-competitive practices, conducting research, and preparing guidelines, thereby contributing to improved market efficiency, a better business environment, and greater Arab economic integration.

This step aligns with Kuwait’s role in strengthening Arab cooperation in the field of competition protection and reflects the confidence Arab competition authorities place in Kuwait, as well as the CPA’s commitment to continuing joint work and developing institutional cooperation among member states.

In a statement on the occasion, Al-Ajmi expressed Kuwait’s and the CPA’s pride in the trust reposed in them by network members, emphasizing that assuming the chairmanship entails a responsibility to continue joint Arab efforts and build upon achievements made since the network’s establishment. He stated that Kuwait accepts this trust with a firm commitment to cooperate with all members, activate the exchange of knowledge and expertise, enhance the efficiency of competition authorities, and contribute to improving the business environment across Arab countries.

He further clarified that, during Kuwait’s chairmanship, the CPA aims to work with members to identify priorities that address their authorities’ needs, support specialized working groups, strengthen cooperation in enforcing competition laws, monitor mergers and acquisitions, support policy development, and expand training and capacity-building opportunities.

Al-Ajmi noted that developments in digital markets and cross-border practices underscore the importance of coordination and continuous dialogue among Arab competition authorities, as well as the exchange of practical experiences that help develop their tools and enhance their efficiency, while respecting the legal frameworks and national jurisdictions of each country. He affirmed that the network’s success depends on the contributions of its members, and that the value of cooperation is reflected in its impact on the quality of decisions, institutional efficiency, and the ability to protect competition. He expressed his commitment to consulting with members and working in a team spirit in the coming period.

Al-Ajmi extended his thanks and appreciation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the General Authority for Competition, for its efforts during its chairmanship of the network, commending its contributions to developing the work of working groups, exchanging knowledge and expertise, implementing training programs, and supporting joint initiatives. He also praised the role played by the Arab Republic of Egypt, represented by the Competition Protection and Anti-Monopoly Authority, and Dr. Mahmoud Mamdouh, in founding the network and leading its first term, commending the efforts of all members and working teams in advancing Arab cooperation in competition protection.

Kuwait hosted the Fourth Conference of the Arab Competition Network in February 2025, and the Competition Protection Authority assumed the chairmanship of the Mergers and Acquisitions Working Group, building on its participation in the network’s activities and joint initiatives. Through its chairmanship of the network, Kuwait aims to build on achieved accomplishments and work with member states to translate cooperation into practical initiatives that enhance the efficiency of competition authorities and strengthen their capacity to address common challenges, thereby contributing to the development of more competitive Arab markets and benefiting their economies and consumers.