The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) and the Hong Kong Competition Commission (HKCC) signed today a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in a move to deepen bilateral ties on competition issues of mutual interest.

In a virtual ceremony, PCC Chairman Arsenio Balisacan and HKCC Chairman Samuel Chan led the signing where both agencies agree to open avenues for staff exchanges, research collaborations, capacity-building exercises, and other forms of technical cooperation.

The MoU also provides a mechanism, as allowed by law, for PCC and HKCC to notify each other of anti-competitive cases of mutual interest prior to or after enforcement, and conduct joint activities to enhance each other’s competition law enforcement capacity.

“The PCC and HKCC are united in the goal to protect and advocate for a fair competition landscape in our respective jurisdictions, especially amid the pandemic. As more transactions turn borderless or go digital, international cooperation becomes a critical component in the enforcement of our respective competition laws,” said PCC Chair Balisacan.

The PCC and HKCC have previously collaborated on staff exchanges, competition enforcement workshops, and activities on the policy and advocacy front. The signing ceremony today also coincides with the 5^th anniversary of the full implementation of Hong Kong’s Competition Ordinance.

“This strong relationship has grown organically, and based on this solid foundation, both of our agencies recognize the considerable benefits in formalizing and further strengthening this partnership,” said HKCC Chair Chan.  

“The global lockdown has not stopped us, because we have long recognized the importance of international cooperation which requires on-going efforts that should not be disrupted easily. The signing of this MoU is unequivocal evidence of the HKCC’s commitment to it,” he added. 

As emerging competition agencies in the region, PCC and HKCC have been active in pursuing opportunities for international cooperation. This partnership marks PCC’s 2^nd MoU with another competition authority.

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