Experts gather to discuss intersection of sustainability and competition

The international symposium in Marrakesh today explore “Sustainable development as both a competitive challenge and a catalyst for growth.” Participants included experts, representatives from European countries, governance bodies, international and regional institutions, organizations interested in competition, and specialists in clean transition and sustainable development.

This symposium is a collaborative effort between the Competition Council in Morocco, Moroccan public entities, and a coalition comprising the Competition Commission in Greece, the Competition and Consumer Protection Office in Poland, and the Competition Authority in Italy. It falls under the institutional twinning program with the European Union, aimed at enhancing the institutional capabilities of the Moroccan Competition Council.

Prominent figures present during the opening session included Ahmed Rahou, President of the Moroccan Competition Council, Riad Mazour, Minister of Industry and Trade, and Pedro Manuel Morín, Deputy Secretary-General of UNCTAD. Regrettably, Leila Benali, Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, could not attend due to prior commitments.

Ahmed Rahhou, Chairman of the Competition Council, stressed the relevance of this gathering in addressing the challenges of sustainable development amid climate change. Sustainable development, as Rahou defined it, seeks progress that meets current needs without compromising the well-being of future generations. The Competition Council plays a pivotal role in shaping policies and controls to safeguard growth and production across various economic sectors, aiming for a strong and sustainable national economy.

Rahhou emphasized the intrinsic connection between enterprise freedom, free competition, and human and sustainable development. He pointed out the importance of competition authorities in preventing the misuse of sustainability as a pretext for anti-competitive practices, while also ensuring that competition does not harm private initiatives aimed at reducing negative externalities. He emphasized that the compatibility of competition laws and policies with sustainability considerations varies based on each country’s unique circumstances.

Rahou alluded to the changing global production landscape, highlighting the impact of recent disruptions on sustainability and emphasizing the evolving nature of globalization.

Riad Mazour, Minister of Industry and Trade, emphasized the connection between competitiveness and sustainability, noting that sustainable development is subject to global protectionism, with environmental standards serving as a prominent trade barrier. Mazour cautioned against being naive about the current fragmentation and division in global trade dynamics and the importance of understanding the changing rules of competitiveness and controlled exports.

Mazour also praised Morocco’s position in the global market as stable and favorable for attracting investments, thanks to the country’s ability to provide cost-effective access to markets and reduce logistics expenses. This makes Morocco an attractive hub for diverse industries.

Pedro Manuel Morín, the UN official at UNCTAD, underscored the urgency of addressing climate change as a race against time. He highlighted the vulnerability of poor and developing countries to the ongoing climate crisis and stressed the need for decisive measures at national and global levels to strike a balance between sustainable development and economic competitiveness. Morín emphasized the importance of consumer awareness and choice in this context.