The present study analyzes the current level of progress in introducing a regional competition law and policy that would create a level playing field for the
businesses within the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). It is specifically focused on the state-owned enterprises (SOEs), which dominate various key industries in the ASEAN countries. According to the ASEAN Regional Guidelines on Competition Policy, “competition policy should be an instrument of general
application, i.e., applying to all economic sectors and to all businesses engaged in commercial economic activities, including State-owned enterprises.” The paper
explores the ASEAN members’ approach towards SOEs in their national competition laws as well as in the ASEAN Regional Guidelines on Competition Policy.