Competition law and policies applicable to state-owned enterprises

The enforcement of competition law has been and continues to be an important lever in levelling the playing field in markets where SOEs and other market actors compete. This chapter looks at specific competition law approaches, drawing on case examples, applicable to the conduct of SOEs. It draws three main pillars: preventing the abuse of dominance, blocking or remedying anti-competitive mergers, and breaking up cartels. It also points to some challenges for competition enforcement where SOEs and crossborder transactions are concerned. It draws attention to additional levers, beyond competition enforcement that can serve to level the playing field. It points to advocacy competitive neutrality harmonized accountability and transparency requirements and consistent application of rules concerning subsidies or state aid, as means to ensure that policies in one jurisdiction do not advertently or inadvertently impact the competitive environment in others.