Sign an MoU to collaborate in cartel investigations, merger control and actions against misleading marketing
Competition Commission of Pakistan and Federal Antimonopoly Service of Russia sign Memorandum of Understanding to deepen regulatory coordination during 10th meeting of Pakistan-Russia Intergovernmental Commission
Pakistan and Russia have formalized a major cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening oversight of competition in the market. The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) and the Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) of Russia signed a Memorandum of Understanding to deepen regulatory coordination.
The MoU, signed during the 10th meeting of the Pakistan-Russia Intergovernmental Commission, provides a comprehensive framework for collaboration in cartel investigations, cases of abuse of dominant position, merger control and actions against misleading marketing. PCC Chairman Dr. Kabir Ahmed Sidhu and FAS Deputy Director Andrey Tsyganov signed the agreement.
The partnership also encourages both authorities to organize joint workshops, expert exchanges, technical consultations and shared research, aimed at improving law 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 much more experience compared to the PCC, which currently has around 250 staff members. FAS regional offices also play a key role in curbing cartelization and deceptive marketing practices.
PCC officials said Pakistan will benefit substantially 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 boost market competition, strengthen enforcement mechanisms and improve policy development in both countries. The PCC is tasked with curbing price manipulation, monitoring market conduct, and protecting consumers from the harmful effects of cartelization. Recently, the government has urged the CCP to accelerate its investigation into alleged cartelization in the vegetable ghee and cooking oil industry.
The issue was discussed at a recent meeting of the National Price Monitoring Committee (NPMC) while reviewing food prices across the country. It was decided that the Finance Division would assist the PCC in expediting its investigation into the cartel-like behavior in the vegetable ghee and cooking oil sector and submit its report to the NPMC at the earliest.
The meeting also reviewed the price trend of cooking oil in accordance with the directives of the Economic Coordination Committee issued on July 29, 2025. The PCC informed members that the investigation was ongoing and would be completed in due time, and the findings would be presented later.
After detailed discussions, several decisions were made. The Ministry of National Food Security, in consultation with the Ministry of Industries and provincial governments, will prepare a plan to identify measures to provide essential food at stable prices before and during Ramadan.
The State Bank of Pakistan will present a full report in the next meeting on loan disbursements to farmers for planting rabi crops in flood-affected areas, including district-wise details and a breakdown of agricultural and non-agricultural credit data.
The Ministry of Industries and Production, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, will present a plan to facilitate private sector investment in cold storage of essential foods, with the aim of stabilizing prices through increased storage capacity.
