Page 6 - FAIR TRADE COMMISSION 2023 ANNUAL REPORT

Fair Trade Commission Annual Report 2023
A Word from the Chairperson
Due to the emergence of the new economy in recent years, the economic models of industries across the globe have been constantly evolving. Market competition has become more intense, diverse and complicated. As a consequence, the competition authorities in different countries are now facing an immense challenge to make law enforcement more effective. In 2023, the Commission adopted the elimination of malpractices and the promotion of benefits as its main administrative focus to facilitate enforcement to remove barriers to competition on the one hand and to formulate new and good competition policies and convenient services to build a favorable environment for business management on the other. With the diligent efforts of all of its staff and guidance from various sectors, the Commission was able to accomplish its administrative objectives and become a key force in the stabilization of domestic economic development.
In response to the progress of the digital economy, the Commission released a White Paper on Competition Policy in the Digital Economy at the end of 2022 to present its law enforcement standpoints and policy directions. The effort won the Commission public support as well as international recognition and it also became the recipient of an International Antitrust Writing Award. In 2023, the Commission implemented the measures recommended in the White Paper and amended regulations against false advertising and the Principles Regarding the Definition of Relevant Markets, etc. to provide guidance for enterprises. In addition, the Commission comprehensively reviewed related laws and regulations and made revisions to the entire Fair Trade Act with a view to establishing fair trade regulations that are most appropriate for this era and to meet the needs of different industries.
In 2023, the staff members of the Commission overcame difficulties they had previously faced in the collection of concerted action evidence by using the Commission’s leniency policy and offering whistleblower rewards, cracked down on a number of illegal concerted actions involving telecom enterprises, ready mixed concrete suppliers, snorkeling tour services, food companies, building appraisal services and medical institutions, and successfully protected market competition order. Meanwhile, the Commission continued to closely monitor online advertising, keyword advertising and the marketing practices of real estate and beauty businesses, and improved its investigation techniques and tools to ensure that all marketing practices were both legal and fair in order to safeguard consumer interests.
In its administration of multi-level marketing, in 2023 the Commission reviewed registered information, performed business inspections, surveyed management conditions and gave presentations on related regulations through diverse approaches to guide multi-level marketing businesses to develop in the right direction. The Commission also introduced industrial development ideas, amended the Regulations for the Establishment and Administration of the Multi-level Marketing Enterprises and Participants Protection Institute, expanded the duties
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