Epress.am News from Armenia
Artak Shaboyan, Head of the Armenian State Commission for Protection of Economic Competition, presenting a report at a session of the National Assembly Standing Committee on State and Legal Affairs on Friday, said there have been multiple instances of anti-competitive practices in food acquisition procedures for educational institutions.
The official's statement annoyed lawmaker Khachatur Kokobelyan: “The country's entire economy is strangled by monopolies, you're talking to us about buffet food. Gasoline, sugar, grains, medications…you name it. Gasoline prices are falling all over the world, while [in Armenia they continue to] rise. Tell me – and be specific, please – if you've found any violations in these areas.”
Shaboyan responded stating that there are two, not one, companies importing gasoline to Armenia, and that their Commission monitors continuously how these companies establish pricing. As for the pharmaceutical sector, the official said, the Commission has found violations in drug importing companies and held perpetrators liable.
“Including Natali Pharm,” Shaboyan noted, referring to a company owned by ruling Republican Party MP, major business oligarch Samvel Aleksanyan's family.
Speaking to reporters the Commission Head repeated his stance that “there are no monopolies in Armenia; there are some companies with a dominant position. It's not our intention to put pressure on major companies; our aim is to ensure competition.”