Following expert talks between representatives of the Ministry of Economy and Industry and the Commission for Protection of Competition (CPC) on the “Affordable for You” initiative, the Ministry has drafted changes to the Declaration of Partnership, which each participant in the initiative is expected to sign.
It reflects all the arguments presented by the CPC during the expert meeting in order to avoid and prevent the possible risks identified.
In order to achieve fruitful cooperation in the protection of consumer interests and competition in the market, the Ministry of Economy and Industry sent yesterday the revised Declaration of Partnership on the initiative to the CPC . The Commission’s response on the wording and its respective impact on competition in the market is awaited in order to launch the initiative.
“We have a declaration that we have agreed with all the participants who will be involved. The question is that this is supported by the institutions in Bulgaria to make sure that it is implemented within the law and the participants who will voluntarily support the consumers will not suffer sanctions later because of subjective assessments,” Minister Bogdanov said.
The aim of the initiative is to achieve better prices for Bulgarian consumers, formed on the market principle. It focuses on about 50 products from the small consumer basket, which will be available throughout the retail network in the country. The campaign is based on the principle of voluntary partnership and will be conducted in synchrony between the state and business.
It should be recalled that the “Affordable for You” initiative proposed by the Ministry of Economy is market-oriented and aims to achieve permanently low prices of essential products. The campaign will contribute to increasing consumer awareness and access to basic food products from the small consumer basket. On a competitive basis, the offer of the lowest possible prices without negatively affecting other economic actors will be encouraged.