.png)
On April 3, 2025, the GW Competition Law Center (CLC), in collaboration with CeCo – Centro de Competencia (Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, Chile), hosted the 4th Annual Forum of Competition Law in Developing Countries – Latin America at the George Washington University Law School in Washington, D.C.
The forum convened distinguished professionals from across Latin America, including representatives from competition authorities, academia, and private practice. The event fostered an open and dynamic exchange of views on key issues shaping the competition law landscape in the region. Since 2002, the Forum has become a yearly tradition in the international antitrust agenda and has established itself as a unique opportunity for practitioners interested in Latin America to connect.
Key topics discussed included:
- Institutional and enforcement challenges, such as dealing with the digital economy;
- Capacity building initiatives, including the use of AI and computational tools by antitrust enforcers;
- Regional cooperation and cross-border policy solutions; and
- The role of competition law in promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth
As part of the forum, a regional survey was conducted in collaboration with Latin American competition authorities. The survey aimed to explore the perception of practitioners of 7 jurisdictions in the region (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, and Peru) on a range of topics, including institutional aspects (e.g., deterrence, predictability, independence, deference), antitrust violations, mergers, oversight, compliance , and the qualities of practicing attorneys in each jurisdiction. The study collected the views from over 280 respondents, including lawyers and senior officials from competition authorities. The findings were published in a detailed report, contributing valuable insights to the broader policy dialogue on institutional effectiveness and reform in developing economies. Alejandro Ibarra, Fellow of CLC, played a central role in developing and conducting this insightful study.
The event also marked the official launch of the World Competition Database, a new initiative developed by the GW Competition Law Center. The database offers a comprehensive and comparative overview of the institutional structures, legal frameworks, and enforcement practices of competition regimes around the world. Teo Kvirikashvili and Rafael Parisi, Fellows of the CLC, presented the Database at the Forum.
Alejandro Ibarra and Rafael Parisi led the organization of the Forum. Their leadership and scholarly dedication were instrumental in the success of this event.
Opening remarks were delivered by Professor William Kovacic, who underscored the importance of sustained regional collaboration and knowledge-sharing in advancing effective competition law systems as mean to achieve social and economic development.
The GW Competition Law Center extends its sincere gratitude to all participants and partners who contributed to this impactful and forward-looking dialogue!