The International Competition Network (ICN) organized a workshop aimed at promoting competition policy and law, which took place on March 16-17, 2026, in Yerevan, Armenia.

The workshop gathered numerous competition experts from around the world to discuss key topics essential for the development and promotion of competition in the modern economy. Discussions included the importance of advocating for competition policy in rapidly changing global conditions, fostering competitiveness through new and emerging market trends, and effectively utilizing market research to shape public policies.

Special emphasis was placed on applying competition principles in public policies, strategies for effectively engaging stakeholders in public procurement processes, and promoting a culture of collaboration while strengthening competition policy in the public sector. Topics related to sustainability and digital markets were also addressed, along with enhancing the capacity of small and medium-sized enterprises through the development and implementation of plans to promote competition.

Sandi Valentinc, head of the International and European Cooperation Department at the Croatian Competition Authority, participated as a panel moderator for the session on “Strategies for Effective Stakeholder Engagement in Public Procurement Processes,” where he shared experiences and practices from the competition authority. Panelists included representatives from competition authorities in Ireland, Spain, South Africa, Malaysia, and Armenia.

In addition to the ICN workshop, Yerevan also hosted an OECD Regional Centre for Competition seminar from March 18-20, focusing on “Tools for Competition Authorities to Promote Growth and Welfare.”