Sign the MoU for cooperation in cartel investigations, merger control and action against misleading marketing
Competition Commission of Pakistan and Russia’s Federal Antimonopoly Service Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Deepen Regulatory Coordination During the 10th Meeting of Pakistan-Russia Intergovernmental Commission
Pakistan and Russia have formalized a major cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening the supervision of market competition. The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) and Russia’s Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) signed a memorandum of understanding to deepen regulatory coordination.
The MoU, signed during the 10th Pakistan-Russia Intergovernmental Commission meeting, provides a comprehensive framework for cooperation on cartel investigations, abuse of dominance cases, merger control and anti-misleading marketing efforts. CCP Chairman Dr. Kabir Ahmed Sidhu and FAS Deputy Chief Andrey Tsyganov signed the agreement.
The partnership also encourages both authorities to organize joint workshops, expert exchanges, technical consultations and joint research with the aim of improving enforcement capacity and regulatory standards.
Officials noted that Russia’s antitrust authority — established 35 years ago with nearly 1,000 employees and a broad operational mandate — brings significantly more experience compared to the CCP, which currently has about 250 employees. FAS regional offices also play a key role in curbing cartelization and deceptive marketing practices.
CCP officials said Pakistan stands to gain significantly from Russia’s extensive regulatory experience, and joint sessions between the two agencies are expected to begin soon.
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The collaboration is expected to strengthen competition in the market, strengthen enforcement mechanisms and improve policy development in both countries. The CCP is tasked with limiting price manipulation, monitoring market behavior and protecting consumers from the harmful effects of cartelisation. Recently, the government has called on the CCP to speed up its investigation into alleged cartelization in the vegetable ghee and cooking oil industries.
The issue was discussed at a recent meeting of the National Price Monitoring Committee (NPMC) while the prices of food items across the country were reviewed. It was decided that the finance department would help the CCP expedite its investigation into cartel-like behavior in the vegetable ghee and cooking oil sector and submit its report to the NPMC as soon as possible.
The meeting also reviewed the price development of cooking oil in accordance with directives of the Economic Coordination Committee issued on July 29, 2025. The CCP informed members that the investigation was ongoing and would be completed in due course, with results presented thereafter.
After detailed discussions, several decisions were taken. The Ministry of National Food Security, in consultation with the Ministry of Industry and provincial governments, will prepare a plan to identify measures to provide essential food at stable prices before and during Ramazan.
The State Bank of Pakistan will present a comprehensive report at the next meeting on loan disbursements to farmers for planting rabi crops in flood-affected areas, including district-wise details and a breakdown of farm and non-farm credit data.
The Ministry of Industry and Production, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, will present a plan to facilitate the private sector’s investment in cold storage of essential foodstuffs with a view to stabilizing prices through increased storage capacity.
