This paper analyzes the institutional innovations that are expected from the recent Mercosur protocol on competition policy. At the national level, the protocol constitutes a new driving force toward the conclusion of the ongoing economic reforms in the member countries. At the regional level, it provides an additional instrument for controlling the imbalances of the integration process. However, since competition policy is a new subject in the region, the attainment of these potentialities will imply a long term cooperation effort among Mercosur governments. The results of this experience will affect the debate about antitrust issues in other forums like the FTAA and the WTO.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Institutional Reform, Economic Integration and Transparency

Toward a Regional Competition Policy: The Protocol for the Defense of Competition

Conclusion

Footnotes

References

Mr. Tavares de Araujo has previously held positions with the Brazilian government, as well as the Inter-American Development Bank and the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean. He has a Ph.D. from London University.

Luis Tineo, Consultant. Mr. Tineo was previously general counsel to the Venezuelan Ministry of Economic Planning. Prior to joining the Trade Unit he was with the Inter-American Development Bank.