Big business weighs in on Dominican Republic ‘monopolies’ row

Santo Domingo.- The National Council Business (CONEP) on Thursdaysaid it opposes the publication ofseveral studies on practices and conditions of competition in some DominicanRepublic markets, conducted by the National Competition Protection Commission (ProCompetencia).

In a letter to Pro Competencia president Michel Cohen andother members of its Board of, the CONEP states its "concern" overthe disclosure of "sensitive information that could adversely affect"the image and competitiveness. It also questions the legality of the regulator’s"latest actions," noting that they would be unlawful.

It notes that according to Pro Competencia’s bylaws "studies,papers and other research and dissemination, in order to induce a culture ofcompetition among operators in the country," is a function of itsExecutive Board, a position that is still vacant.

"We believe and defend competitiveness," the CONEPsays, noting that has been one of the main standard bearers for the CompetitivenessProtection Law 42-08 to take effect, for which, “the appointment of the Boardand the Executive director is required."

"Any execution in relation to this exclusiveattribution of the Executive Board is invalid and its exercise is contrary"to several articles of the Constitution, the CONEP says in the letter dated September6, signed by its president, Rafael Blanco.

Among the studies recently released Pro Competencia, whichdemonstrate the predominance of monopolistic practices and abuse of a "dominantposition" in the Dominican Republic figure the of beers, pharmaceuticals and insurance market.