Voluntary Peer Review of Competition Law and Policy - Paraguay

Format *
The purpose of the review is to evaluate the legal and institutional framework of the competition system in the country and the practical experience in the application of competition law to date. The report analyzes the current situation of competition law and policy in Paraguay based on extensive desk research and opinions expressed by a group of experts, including authorities, politicians, businessmen, academics and professionals, during a fact-finding visit that took place in October 2022 in Asuncion. The documentary research took into consideration both the review of the constitutional text, the competition law and regulations and other sectorial norms, as well as the decisions adopted by the Competition Agency (Conacom) during its period of validity. Likewise, the opinions and testimonies of the persons interviewed have been very useful to offer through this report a holistic view of the competition enforcement and advocacy in the country. The Republic of Paraguay has had a competition law for 10 years (June 21, 2013), which contains and regulates the most important matters to effectively implement a competition policy. In the application of the antitrust rules, Conacom has investigated few cases of restrictive practices and abuses of dominant position due to the lack of resources, and in all of them it has not accepted the accusations of the Investigation Directorate. On the other hand, the sanctioning regime is not very dissuasive, since it contemplates fines up to the equivalent of 150% of the profits or 20% of the sales of the products subject to the practice, which may result in meager fines. Furthermore, it does not provide for an immunity and leniency program, which is undoubtedly a major shortcoming.

Details:

Agency/Department
UNCTAD/Division on International Trade and Commodities (DITC)
Print ISBN
9789211014785
PDF ISBN
9789210027298
Print Publication Date
PDF Publication Date
Page Count
52
Print Sales Number
23.II.D.13

We do not currently sell e-books on our site however if you'd like to find out where you can purchase one please click here.