The Competition Policy and Law Group (CPLG) convened as part of the APEC forum, bringing together representatives from member economies to discuss the enhancement of competition legislation and antitrust enforcement practices.
During the session, Anton Teslenko, Head of the Fiscal Control Department of the FAS of Russia, delivered a presentation outlining recent developments in Russia’s competition legislation and policy. He highlighted the implementation of the National Competition Development Plan for 2021–2025, focusing on legislative improvements in the context of the digital economy, support for small and medium-sized enterprises, and the stability of socially significant commodity markets.
Teslenko also announced that a new National Plan is currently under development, extending until 2030. This new strategy places special emphasis on fostering competition in key sectors such as agribusiness, retail, industry, healthcare, education, telecommunications, transport, utilities, and energy.
FAS continues to monitor food prices to enable preventive stabilization measures and promote responsible pricing practices, under which businesses voluntarily commit to price restraints. Another key priority is the refinement of antitrust regulation amid digital transformation, aimed at protecting market participants, encouraging innovation, and combating counterfeit products.
Teslenko emphasized FAS’s commitment to balancing state oversight with the application of soft-law instruments, particularly in digital markets. He pointed to the adoption of Model Principles and Standards for Digital Market Participants across CIS countries in June 2023, and the implementation of similar guidelines within the BRICS framework since 2024.
Combating cartels and bid rigging remains a core focus. In August 2025, a new article of the Competition Protection Law came into effect, establishing the legal foundation for a new state information system – “Anti-Cartel” – to enhance cartel detection and enforcement.
Teslenko also highlighted the importance of strengthening international cooperation, both bilaterally and multilaterally. FAS Russia actively participates in major intergovernmental and international organizations, including the CIS, BRICS, SCO, UNCTAD, and APEC. Engagement within these platforms facilitates the exchange of enforcement practices, the development of joint approaches to cross-border market violations, and coordinated efforts to combat anticompetitive conduct.
For FAS, APEC remains a vital platform for addressing global economic challenges in the Asia-Pacific region. The Competition Policy and Law Group serves as a meaningful venue for exchanging experience and best practices among competition authorities.
Teslenko concluded by underscoring the importance of continuing the work initiated by the group. FAS Russia supports extending the group’s mandate for another four years. Closer cooperation between antitrust agencies will help promote competition advocacy and compliance in accessible and practical formats, contributing to the economic development of APEC member economies.
Source: FAS
