Investigative powers of the Egyptian Competition Authority: a guide for companies in the Egyptian market

This article explores the investigative powers of the Egyptian Competition Authority vis-à-vis companies under scrutiny and discerns whether the documents/correspondences exchanged between these companies, their in-house legal departments and; external consultants are legally privileged under relevant Egyptian laws and regulations

Abuse of dominance under the Egyptian Competition Law: investigating peculiarities that may have special effects in the economy

This paper investigates peculiarities in the treatment of abuse of dominance under Egyptian Competition Law and evaluates their potential effects in the economy. Particularly, it recognizes the lack of excessive pricing prohibition and the deployment of effects-based approach to abuse of dominance at the present stage as likely peculiarities in Egyptian Competition Law that may harm the economy. It is specifically argued that the success of the practice of excessive pricing, at least in exceptional circumstances, may become more plausible at this stage in Egypt, as an emerging economy, since it lacks the necessary competition culture and, as such, its market is highly concentrated. The paper, furthermore, finds that employing an effects-based approach at this early stage of competition law enforcement may not be suitable due to the understandable lack of experience that may increase the likelihood of committing judicial errors. It is, however, perceived that investigating the practice of excessive pricing is quite complex and, as such prohibiting it may not be the best initiative at this stage. Moreover, it is suggested that employing an effects-based analysis, as opposed to per se approach, may help avoid type II errors (erroneously condemning pro-competitive practices). It is, hence, suggested to stick by this approach at the current stage; so long as caution is taken in relation to practices that generate questionable anti-competitive effects. Whether for introducing an excessive pricing prohibition in the future (should the practice continue to pose a threat) or employing effects-based approach, it is argued that increasing economic expertise in the field of competition law and cooperating with competition authorities of the developed world remains central

Evaluating the influence of EU competition rules and Islamic principles on the treatment of abuse of dominance under Egyptian competition law

Egypt faced three central pressures to introduce its own competition law in 2005: first, EU/Egypt trade relations, second, introduction of the 1991 privatisation programme and third, its long-term desire by virtue of its Constitution to follow Islamic principles that condemn monopoly. However, Egypt was not forced to transplant EU rules as a result of EU/Egypt trade relations, although it is implicit that the EU deems it desirable to do so. By employing the functional method of comparative law for the purposes of the study on EU, Islamic, and Egyptian laws, the central argument of this thesis is that the Egyptian treatment of abuse of dominance is distinctive in three ways. First, Egyptian rules do not prohibit the practice of excessive pricing. Although in jurisdictions that prohibit it, most notably the EU system, competition authorities do not contemplate it as an investigation priority, it is argued that the lack of its prohibition raises Islamic law concerns and may lead to potential effects on the Egyptian economy. However, the difficulties which investigators face in settling such practice (as the South African Mittal case demonstrates) suggest that the Egyptian legislator may have adopted the right approach not to prohibit it; otherwise, this may have increased the likelihood of committing type II errors and, as a result, violate Islamic law principles of injustice. Second, in contrast with EU law, Egyptian rules do not cover the practice of below-cost margin squeeze. Although it is argued that its omission does not pose potential effects to the economy, it is suggested that it raises Islamic law concerns on the basis of fairness and intentions principles. Given that it is relatively easier to investigate, compared to excessive pricing, it is suggested that the Egyptian legislator should re-consider encompassing it in the future while drawing on the approach adopted in EU law. Third, the Egyptian Competition Law reflects the EU Commission‘s initiative of employing an effects-based approach to abuse of dominance. However, the Egyptian system, arguably influenced by the Islamic principles on market intervention, goes a little further to require an actual effects standard. Despite an effects-based analysis being difficult to employ in emerging economies with inadequate economic expertise like Egypt, it is argued in its favour for two reasons. First, it increases the chances of avoiding type II errors, which, similar to excessive pricing and margin squeeze, violate Islamic law and; second, the Egyptian Competition Authority‘s analysis in the Steel study shows that it is capable of employing this approach at this stage. For the purposes of re-considering the foregoing (gaps) in the future, the Egyptian Competition Authority should focus on increasing economic expertise and seek technical assistance from competition authorities of the developed world

Uterine Blood Flow During Pregnancy

Of these parameters pertinent to fetal well-being, the delivery of an adequate amount of blood to the placenta seems to be the most crucial. At our present state of understanding, uterine blood flow (UBF) appears to be that parameter most often affected by physiologic and pathologic conditions, and it is certainly that factor most readily altered, either favorably or unfavorably, by the physician. In this presentation, normal changes in UBF during pregnancy will be reviewed briefly, those factors influencing uterine and placental vascular dynamics will be discussed, and the clinical relevance of these observations will be illustrated on the background of varying levels of uteroplacental adequacy

Exercise: An Antecedent Based Intervention to Address Sensory Motor Needs and Learning Readiness

“Exercise (ECE) is a strategy that involves an increase in physical exertion as a means of reducing problem behaviors or increasing appropriate behavior while increasing physical fitness and motor skills” “ECE can be used effectively to address behavior, school-readiness, academic, and motor skills.” NPDC Exercise Fact Sheet, 201

Effects of Sertraline Treatment for Young Children with FXS

Phenotypic manifestations for young children with fragile X syndrome (FXS) include: anxiety, sensory processing challenges, global language and communication deficits and intellectual and developmental disabilities. Many of these symptoms can be treated with medications, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). However to date a clinical trial has not been conducted for children under five years old. This study investigated the following question: Are there group differences on developmental outcome measures for those children treated with sertraline compared to placebo

Assistive Technology Enhancement of Written Expression for Individuals with Neurodevelopmental Disorders

This study involves the use of computer software to assess the use of assistive technology (AT) in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders. We will present an update of the subjects in the study, including research issues, subject diagnoses and diagnostic trends as assessed through baseline and follow-up testing