The successful establishment of Mongolia’s Competition Authority—led by GG International’s Shaan Stevens—laid the foundation for a transparent and competitive market, driving sustainable economic growth and consumer welfare.
— Mongolia —
transparent. competitive. resilient.
Strengthening Market Integrity: Establishing Mongolia's Competition Authority
"Effective competition policy is essential for fostering innovation, ensuring fair pricing, and promoting economic growth."
— World Bank Report on Competition Policy
Challenge
In the early 2000s, Mongolia's transition to a market economy highlighted the need for robust competition laws and institutions. The absence of a dedicated competition authority led to challenges such as market monopolies, unfair trade practices, and limited consumer protection. Establishing a regulatory body to oversee and enforce competition laws became imperative to ensure a fair and dynamic market environment.
Strategy
From April to July 2005, under the auspices of the World Bank, a comprehensive initiative was undertaken to establish the Mongolian Competition Authority. The project was spearheaded by Shaan Stevens, a former Government Regulator with the New Zealand Commerce Commission (2002–2006), where he held regulatory authority over Consumer Protection, Financial and Insurance Services, Electricity and Gas, Telecommunications, and Banking.
Shaan Stevens was part of GG International, a global management advisory firm and under this firm had already delivered advisory assistance in several other foundational initiatives in Mongolia across the finance, energy, mining, telecommunications, and ICT sectors since the country’s transition out of the Soviet sphere. Shaan Stevens brought deep institutional experience and a multidisciplinary approach to this landmark regulatory reform effort.
Key activities included:
- Framework Review: Analyzed existing legal and institutional structures to identify gaps and areas for improvement in competition regulation.
- Regulatory Development: Drafted laws, regulations, and operational procedures to establish a functional and autonomous competition authority.
- Capacity Building: Conducted training sessions on cost-benefit analysis and regulatory impact assessments to enhance decision-making processes.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborated with government officials, legal experts, and industry stakeholders to ensure the regulatory framework was comprehensive and contextually relevant.
Transformation
The establishment of the Mongolian Competition Authority marked a significant milestone in the country’s economic development:
- Institutionalization: A dedicated body was created to oversee competition laws, ensuring enforcement and compliance across sectors.
- Enhanced Market Fairness: The new regulatory framework curtailed monopolistic practices, fostering a more competitive and equitable market landscape.
- Informed Policymaking: The integration of cost-benefit analysis and regulatory impact assessments led to more data-driven and effective policy decisions.
- Economic Growth: By promoting fair competition, the initiative contributed to increased investor confidence and economic diversification.