Kuwait to Chair Arab Competition Network for Two Years, Succeeding Saudi Arabia
Kuwait, represented by the Competition Protection Authority (CPA), has assumed the two-year presidency of the Arab Competition Network, succeeding the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, during the network’s latest meeting. Executive Director-designate of the CPA, Rakan Al-Ajmi, was announced as the network’s president 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, and facilitating the exchange of expertise and capacity building. Its significance lies in coordinating efforts to address common challenges and cross-border monopolistic practices, as well as conducting research and preparing guidelines to enhance market efficiency, improve the business environment, and support Arab economic integration.
This step aligns with Kuwait’s role in strengthening Arab cooperation in the field of competition protection, reflecting the trust Arab competition authorities place in Kuwait and the CPA’s commitment to continuing joint work and developing institutional cooperation among member states.
In a statement on this occasion, Al-Ajmi expressed Kuwait’s and the CPA’s pride in the trust reposed in them by network members, emphasizing that assuming the presidency entails a responsibility to continue joint Arab efforts and build upon the achievements realized 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, thereby supporting the efficiency of competition authorities and contributing to the development of the business environment in our Arab countries.
He clarified that during the Kuwaiti presidency, the CPA looks forward to working with members to identify priorities that respond to their authorities’ needs, support specialized working groups, enhance cooperation in enforcing competition laws, monitor mergers and acquisitions, support policies, and expand training and capacity-building opportunities.
He pointed out that developments in digital markets and cross-border practices highlight the importance of coordination and continuous dialogue among Arab competition authorities, as well as the exchange of practical experiences that contribute to developing their tools and enhancing their efficiency, while respecting the legal frameworks and national jurisdictions of each country.
Al-Ajmi affirmed that the network’s success relies 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 keenness to consult with members and work in a team spirit during the upcoming phase.
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 presidency 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 Kamel, in establishing the network and leading its first term, commending the efforts of all members and working teams in advancing the trajectory of Arab cooperation in competition protection.
Kuwait previously hosted the Fourth Conference of the Arab Competition Network in February 2025. Additionally, the CPA holds the presidency of the Mergers and Acquisitions Working Group, continuing its participation in the network’s activities and joint initiatives.
Kuwait, through its chairmanship of the network, looks forward to building on the achievements already made and working with member states to translate cooperation into practical initiatives that enhance the efficiency of competition authorities and bolster their capacity to address shared challenges, thereby contributing to the development of more competitive Arab markets and benefiting their economies and consumers.
