Australia and Italy’s consumer and competition authorities are set to enhance cooperation and collaboration as the ACCC and the Autorità Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato (AGCM) sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today.
The MOU, which is the first ever between the ACCC and the AGCM was signed by ACCC Chair, Gina Cass-Gottlieb and AGCM President, Roberto Rustichelli at the ACCC’s Sydney Office.
The MOU serves to strengthen the relationship between the two regulators that has been established through international organisations such as the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the International Competition Network (ICN) and International Consumer Protection Enforcers Network (ICPEN); where both agencies collaborate on improving international cooperation.
The MOU provides for the sharing of information on issues of common interest and exchanges of staff.
Key areas of interest identified for collaboration between the ACCC and the AGCM include cartels, digital platforms, and market studies.
The MOU also creates opportunities to cooperate on investigations where there are common or cross-border issues.
Under the MOU, the agencies plan to meet at least once a year to develop a work plan that sets out activities for cooperation.
Notes to editors
Further information on the ACCC’s cooperation agreements with international competition and consumer agencies and governments can be found at Treaties and agreements.
Media enquiries: 1300 138 917
Email: media@accc.gov.au.