Representatives from the Montenegro Competition Protection Agency (AZK) and Turkey’s Competition Authority (Rekabet Kurumu) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Istanbul, laying the groundwork for improved bilateral relations.
Dragan Damjanović, President of the AZK Council, emphasized the importance of bilateral cooperation as a key tool for exchanging knowledge and experiences, which will enhance the agency’s ability to tackle complex competition-related challenges.
Birol Kule, President of the Turkish Competition Authority, expressed satisfaction with the signing of the Memorandum, noting that it provides a solid foundation for invigorating activities between the two institutions. He stated that Turkey is ready to offer training programs that could significantly benefit their Montenegrin counterparts, especially in enhancing administrative capacities and the IT technologies used in competition law.
AZK representatives also attended the inaugural meeting of the Balkan Competition Platform, an initiative developed by the Turkish authority. This meeting brought together representatives from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Greece, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Romania.
The platform is designed to provide a forum for Balkan countries to exchange ideas and best practices, thereby improving mutual cooperation.
Damjanović highlighted that regional collaboration in the Balkans, particularly at legislative and economic levels, is essential for fostering a stable and integrated region. He argued that aligning laws and regulations across countries helps simplify trade, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and increase legal predictability for businesses and investors.
“Joint efforts to develop consistent economic policies can bridge gaps between countries, promoting sustainable development and regional prosperity,” stated Damjanović.
He added that this cooperation also strengthens the region’s collective negotiating power in global markets, enhancing its attractiveness to international investors. Additionally, shared legislative frameworks contribute to stability and peace by aligning national interests with regional growth and long-term collaboration.
The AZK emphasized that regional cooperation in competition protection is vital for fostering economic stability and growth in the Balkans. With interconnected markets, collaborative efforts to ensure fair competition enhance trade, investment and consumer welfare across borders.
By harmonizing competition protection policies, Balkan countries can prevent monopolistic practices, create a level playing field for businesses and attract foreign investments, all of which are crucial for economic development.
