PROMOTING COMPETITION, PROTECTING CONSUMERS

Competition is an essential mechanism for promoting economic ef ciency and unleashing innovation and
entrepreneurship for the benet of the consumer. The small market size of Pacic island countries leads
to a small number of providers of products and services that are often inef cient and anti-competitive.
Following several requests, from 2013 PSDI has been working with Pacic island governments to establish
policy and legislative frameworks that promote competition and protect consumers. PSDI helps Pacic
government to strengthen competition frameworks through developing and/or reforming competition
laws, establishing regulatory of ces and improving the capacity of regulators. PSDI is currently completing
a regional diagnostic of competition and interventions, due for for completion in Q4 2014.
COOK ISLANDS
PSDI completed an assessment of COOK ISLANDS competition and consumer protection laws in 2009.
The government agreed to the reform recommendations, but no implementation schedule was dened. PSDI
recommenced competition work in 2014. A diagnostic was undertaken, with the report due to be completed
in Q3 2014. The government is considering reform to liberalize the telecommunications market in the Cook
Islands. PSDI is providing policy advice to support the liberalization.
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
A review of PNGs competition policy commenced in 2014. An implementation plan will be prepared for
discussion with relevant stakeholders after the diagnostic is completed. PSDI also continues to support
PNGs Independent Consumer and Competition Commission in formulating competition policy, promoting
competition, and investigating violations and prosecuting enforcement actions.
SAMOA
At the request of the government, PSDI engaged in a diagnosis of competition issues in Samoa. A policy was
developed with PSDI supporting the design and consultation process. The Government of Samoa approved the
policy in 2013 and PSDI is assisting in the drafting of a Competition and Consumer Protection Bill. As of mid
2014, the bill was undergoing public consultations and vetting by the Attorney Generals of ce. The scheduling
for tabling in Parliament is yet to be determined.
TONGA
PSDI undertook a diagnostic of Tongas competition framework in 2013. Policy design has commenced and is
on track for completion by Q4 2014.
VANUATU
PSDI is reviewing the economic and competition implications of the proposed new maritime regulatory
arrangements in Vanuatu.
Pacic Private Sector Development Initiative
Pacic Liaison and Coordination Of ce
Level 20, 45 Clarence Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Tel +61 2 8270 9444Fax +61 2 8270 9445
Emailpsdi@adb.org Blog: www.adbpsdi.org
www.adb.org/plco/psdi
ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK
COMPETITION POLICY
ACTION UPDATE | JULY
PSDI works with ADBs 14 Pacic developing member countries to improve
the enabling environment for business and address constraints to private
sector development in support of sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
PSDI is a regional technical assistance facility co-nanced by
the Asian Development Bank, the Government of Australia,
and the New Zealand Government.
Pacic
Private Sector
Development
Initiative