Competition and Commercial Monopoly

Overview

  • In Bahrain, which is a free economic market, supply and demand are not regulated by government or if it is, it is regulated with only minor restrictions, for the welfare of the traders, consumers and the community at large.

  • The Government of Bahrain has been tactically taking actions to restrict the practices impeding the free market regime in Bahrain.

  • This Practice Note shares the regulations on conducting free market processes in Bahrain.

Definitions

  • Free market: In economics, this an idealised system in which the prices for goods and services are determined by the open market and consumers, in which the laws and forces of supply and demand are free from any intervention of the government, price-setting monopoly, or other authority.

  • EFTA: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland states.

  • DSPC: Department of Supply and Price Control established by the Minister of Commerce, Agriculture and Economy and the Council of Ministers.

  • Anti-competitive practices: Practices that prevent, restrict, or distort competition.

Practical Guidance

In a free economy system, the price of goods and services are set freely by the forces of demand and supply without government interference to adjust the demand and supply balance.