On May 10, 2023, the Competition Commission and the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation in Port Louis. This agreement, in line with the Competition Act 2007, aims to establish a well-defined mechanism for the two bodies to achieve their respective objectives.
The MoU sets out a framework for cooperation between the CC and the IBA, in accordance with Section 66 of the Competition Act 2007, in the discharge of their respective responsibilities. It also establishes a mechanism for practical cooperation in the exercise of these responsibilities, including the use of the IBA’s expertise in relation to investigations under the Competition Act in the field of broadcasting.
In a statement, Mr. Deshmuk Kowlessur, Executive Director of the CC, emphasized that “it is important for regulators to collaborate with each other, not only to ensure policy coherence, but also to create synergy in the implementation of their respective mandates. This MoU consolidates the basis of the existing collaboration with the IBA for better competition policy enforcement in the broadcasting sector. We will work closely with the IBA to ensure that broadcasting markets are not artificially distorted by companies and that they work for the benefit of consumers and the economy as a whole.
Mr. Kaveeraj Ramphul, Acting Director of the IBA, also emphasized that “one of the objectives of the IBA is to ensure fair competition among broadcasting licensees. In a broader sense, the Competition Commission also shares a similar mission and it is therefore beneficial for both institutions to fully collaborate. Among other things, this MOU will allow us to work together to combat anti-competitive behaviour in the broadcasting sector. This MOU will certainly be a success and it is only the beginning of a mutual collaboration between our two organizations.
