Colombia's institutional framework in the field of competition and consumer protection is represented by the Superintendencia de Industria y Comercio (SIC); complies with the benchmarks set for the Programme, after the implementation of COMPAL I. SIC already stands for a respected organizational structure which has allowed for a development of their functions on topics covering industrial property, consumer protection and the promotion and competition. Nevertheless, the authority has identified several elements which can be improved with regards to both institutional and capacity building.
The participation of this new beneficiary, would bring new impetus to COMPAL and open new avenues to the Programme, including potential support together with Peru in the implementation of the Andean Community (AC) Decision 608 relating to the regional competition community law
COMPAL II aims at solving issues related to the currently existing institutional deficiencies. This involves carrying out an in-depth evaluation of the institution with a focus on optimizing staff training activities for the promotion of competition and consumer protection, and improving the organisational setting. Furthermore, SIC needs to launch a full-fledge competition advocacy campaign in order to sensitize the national stakeholders on the role of the institution. There is also a need to improve market organization and promote recommendations for public policy. In view of the importance of the compromises of Colombia as part of the recently signed FTAs, there is a need to undertake in-depth analysis on the sectors that will be affected by these agreements and make appropriate recommendations. Colombia's national objectives are:
• National Objective No. 1: Strengthening the SIC including improving technical capacities in the application of competition and consumer protection policies.
• National Objective No. 2: Strengthening competition advocacy and the dissemination of outcomes and results of activities on consumer protection including mechanisms to ensure sustainability of impact.
• National Objective No. 3: Promoting conditions to ensure the free development of markets and recommendations for public – policy making
With the goal of addressing priorities at national level through a better market organization, Colombia would combat such issues as informality of the economy, scarcity of information and the increasing asymmetry among consumers, while taking into account an element of deepening policy within national markets. This would include issues such as improving administrative bottlenecks and other major problems faced by SMEs.
National Coordinator:
Mrs. Juanita de Castro
Head, International Relations
SIC
See the activities with Colombia in the COMPAL Extranet (for members only)