The Office for Competition within the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority (MCCAA) was to be strengthened to ensure that it could effectively perform its tasks, Consumer Affairs Minister Helena Dalli said.

Speaking during a seminar on Competition Law, the minister said that the legal regime relating to the office would be strengthened where necessary.

Dr Dalli said competition was the the mechanism which instigated undertakings to offer goods and services at the most competitive, and therefore favourable, terms and conditions.

It encouraged companies and economic operators to be efficient and to come up with more innovative products and services.

She said that, for the individual, consumer competition ensured lower prices, better quality and wider choice. At the same time, it boosted competition and supported economic growth.

Dr Dalli spoke about the enforcement of competition law saying that, if done efficiently, protected competition and safeguarded the economy and consumer welfare.

She said the Government was committed to support the Office for Competition within the MCCAA so that it could continue to carry out its responsibilities effectively and preserve competition in Malta.