In a recently released report, Armenia’s Human Rights Defender has criticized the SCPEC (State Commission for the Protection of Economic Competition) for failing to create conditions conducive to the establishment of a free and open market in Armenia.

Karen Andreasyan notes that the SCPEC conducts a double standard regarding the calculation of fines levied against companies found in violation of monopoly laws.

The HRD points out that the SCPEC has, on several occasions, looked into the practices of companies with a major presence in various business sectors but was unable to find any violations.

Andreasyan points out that in 2013 the SCPEC stated that the 99.8% monopoly of the sugar market enjoyed by Aleks Grig did not constitute a violation of the law.

The HRD also accuses the SCPEC of not investigating the fish farming sector in Armenia despite numerous charges that the sector is monopolized by a few top government officials.

The report notes that the SCPEC was only able to uncover one instance when a factory was prevented from entering the business market.

In conclusion, the HRD confirms that the SCPEC lacks public confidence as a regulatory agency and this is why only 68 complaints were filed with the commission in 2013.