./.WORLD TRADE
ORGANIZATIONWT/GC/W/310
7 September 1999
(99-3718)
Original:  English
PREPARATIONS FOR THE 1999 MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE
Competition
Communication from Norway
The following communication, dated 6 September 1999, has been received from the
Permanent Mission of Norway.
_______________
Background
1. During recent decades we have witnessed a substantial liberalization of trade in goods and
services. However, as the globalization process proceeds, we recognize that anti-competitive businessconduct, combined with the absence of effective national competition policies, may prevent access to
markets and thus reduce or nullify benefits achieved through trade liberalization.
2. A multilateral framework on competition within the WTO would be likely to enhance
consistency between different national, bilateral and regional competition regimes, increase
transparency for the benefit of enterprises and reduce their transaction costs.  Such a framework
would promote competition in the market, stimul ate international trade and foreign investment,
benefit the consumer and facilitate cooperation between competition authorities.  In the negotiationson a multilateral framework due consideration should be taken of environmental concerns.
3. Effective competition policies that contribute to, inter alia , efficient allocation of resources
and the securing of market access, are to the benefit of all Members, including developing countries.
In developing a multilateral framework on competition, due account must be taken of the particular
needs of Members at different stages of development, inter alia , through transitional arrangements
and technical assistance.
Proposal
4. Negotiations should aim at developing a multilateral horizontal framework on competition
within the WTO, covering private and public conduct, and containing, inter alia,  the following
elements:
- objectives;
- core principles;
- exceptions;
- international cooperation;WT/GC/W/310
Page 2
- the development dimension; and,
- dispute settlement procedures, as appropriate.
5. Furthermore, the negotiations should include an examination of the need to develop rules on
anti-competitive conduct, including hard-core cartels, and, as appropriate, the elaboration of such
rules.
__________