The IX BRICS International Competition Conference has opened in Cape Town, South Africa, under the theme “Competition Law in Uncertain Times.”
In her welcome address, Doris Tshepe, Commissioner of the South African Competition Commission, reminded participants that the current BRICS membership includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Ethiopia, Egypt, Iran, Indonesia, and the United Arab Emirates. Together, these countries represent 43% of the world's population, generate 36% of global GDP based on purchasing power parity, and occupy nearly one-third of the Earth's land surface.
According to Ms. Tshepe, the conference marks a new chapter in the development of BRICS, the evolution of global competition policy, and the collective efforts of the Global South to build a more just and inclusive international economic order.
She also emphasized the value of expert support from the BRICS Competition Centre, which plays a key role in fostering cooperation among member countries.
“The work of the BRICS Competition Law and Policy Centre will continue to be central in supporting us in the work as our corporation is underpinned by evidence, analysis, and intellectual vigor,”
the Commissioner stated.
Alexey Ivanov, Director of the Centre, will deliver a report at the conference today. He will present the findings of the BRICS Working Group for the Research of Competition Issues in Food Markets.
Participants of the conference — including heads and representatives of BRICS antitrust authorities, as well as scholars and experts — will discuss the role of environmental sustainability in merger assessments and the impact of trade barriers on antitrust policy and the competitiveness of BRICS nations. The agenda also includes an analysis of how AI technologies are shaping digital markets and the consequences of growing market power among digital giants for developing economies.
A dedicated session will focus on the impact of global agritraders on competition, pricing, and the development of local economies in BRICS and other developing countries.
The conference will also feature reports from BRICS Working Groups for the Research of Competition Issues in digital and pharmaceutical markets.
The BRICS Competition Conference is a key event for the alliance, playing a critical role in strengthening international cooperation in antitrust regulation and advancing competition policy. Since 2009, the conference has been held every two years, rotating among BRICS member states. The previous edition took place in New Delhi, India, in 2023.
