The COMPAL programme is a three-year Phase II Technical Assistance Programme on Competition and Consumer Protection Policies for Latin America supported by SECO (Switzerland). This programme has assisted Nicaragua, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Peru and Bolivia ever since 2003.

The UNCTAD-led programme, to be implemented with national coordinators from each beneficiary country, involves the establishment and/or strengthening of capacities in various institutions related to competition and consumer protection policy. The programme involves exchanges of experiences among beneficiary countries so as to maximize the benefits resulting from the planned activities.

The ultimate goal of UNCTAD capacity building in this field is to provide developing countries with tools to benefit from competition policies in their markets and to attain consumer welfare through lower prices, better quality and a wider variety of choice for consumers.