As a country associated with COMPAL, the new Commission on the Promotion and Defense of Competition created in March 2009 asked Uruguay for assistance from UNCTAD within the framework of the COMPAL Programme.  So, UNCTAD completed a study in the professional services sector in the country.

Given that the Commission now seeks to eliminate tariffs that set the lawyers guilds, clerks and accountants, as these rates “restrict, distort or prevent competition." The result of the sectoral study is evident According to a study done by COMPAL and other reports by the Commission of Defense of Competition, a decentralized agency of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the professional associations "have tariffs that drive or force their members and even professional colleagues who are not partners to set their fees and exercise their respective professions according to the guidelines they establish." The existence of fixed rates in the markets for professional services" responds to the ideas and practices that are legitimate and dominant for a long time between Uruguayan professionals and their clients ..." 

In 2011, the Commission has asked UNCTAD to formalize cooperation through an agreement that can be signed between UNCTAD and Uruguay. Therefore, it is expected that Uruguay will sign the Convention in the Annual Conference of COMPAL in Bogota. 

National Coordinator:

Mr. Javier Gomensoro

President

Competition Commision 

See the activities in the COMPAL Extranet (for members only)