The Designing Competition Policy for Economic Development in Asia workshop, held on 23–24 March at ADB Headquarters, marked the culmination of the joint research project between the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the ADB Institute (ADBI). The project produced twelve in-depth studies on market competition, particularly competition law and policy, and the emerging issues and challenges in competition in Asia.

ADB Vice-President Bruce Gosper welcomed close to 200 participants, including senior government officials, competition authority representatives, academics, development partners, and ADB staff. In their opening remarks, ADBI Dean Tetsushi Sonobe and ADB Chief Economist and ERDI Director General Albert Park emphasized the importance of robust competition policies in promoting sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

The hybrid workshop featured presentations of the research findings, highlighting insights and country experiences on designing and implementing effective competition frameworks. The role of policy makers and regulators in advancing fair and efficient markets across the region was likewise tackled in a high-level panel discussion moderated by University of Tokyo Professor Yasuyuki Sawada. The panelists were composed of the Philippine Competition Commission Chairperson, Atty. Michael Aguinaldo, Philippine NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, Congresswoman Stella Quimbo, and ADBI Dean Tetsushi Sonobe.