THE Office of the President has issued a memorandum circular, directing government agencies to support the Philippines Competition Commission (PCC) in the country’s hosting of the 25th International Competition Network (ICN) Annual Conference next year.

Issued last month, Memorandum Circular No. 85 directed agencies to collaborate closely with the PCC in preparing for the event.

“The success of hosting the 25th ICN Annual Conference requires the active participation of all concerned government agencies and instrumentalities, as well as support of local government units (LGUs) and the private sector,” the circular read.

“The hosting of this conference aims to reaffirm the Philippines’ commitment to a competitive business environment, promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, and set the country at the forefront of global policy dialogue in competition enforcement,” it added.

The agencies involved in the circular include the Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Tourism, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Bureau of Immigration, Bureau of Customs, Philippine National Police, and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.

Meanwhile, all local government units and the private sector were encouraged to provide full support for the event.

The ICN Annual Conference gathers competition regulators and experts from over 140 countries “to share enforcement and policy developments, engage in high-level discussions, and collaborate on innovative tools to strengthen competition frameworks worldwide.” — Justine Irish D. Tabile