“The collaboration between the CS and the AGO is of the outmost importance for the effective enforcement of the Competition Law. The AGO is responsible for collecting the fines imposed by the CS when the economic agents do not pay them voluntarily and in due time”, asserted Francisco Diaz, Competition Superintendent.

Press Release C. 03-11 El Salvador, March 14th, 2011.

CS Imparts High Studies Course on Competition to As sistants of Attorney General

The Competition Superintendence (CS) began today a high studies course: “Introduction to Competition”, which will be imparted to nearly 30 Assistants of the Attorney General as part of the CS´ Competition Advocacy Program.

The CS began today a high studies course: “Introduction to Competition”, to nearly 30 Assistants of the Attorney General of the Republic. Said activity is an answer to the need to train Assistants of the Attorney General on Competition Law for a better performance in the execution of their duties, promoting an exchange of working experiences between the CS and the Attorney General´s Office (AGO).

The aforementioned high studies course is also part of the activities carried out by the Attorney General´s Training School, which pursues the technical and professional training of its Assistants, officials, and other personnel of the AGO.

Since the AGO is responsible for collecting the fines imposed by the CS when the economic agents do not pay them voluntarily and in due time, training the Assistants of the General Attorney is of the outmost importance to the CS. Furthermore, the AGO is empowered to obtain the mandatory compliance of the orders issued by the CS to cease the anticompetitive practices when the economic agents do not willingly comply with a resolution issued by said administrative authority.

Since 2006 to this day, the CS has imposed fines totaling US$6,156,145.30. From said amount, the AGO has collected up to 2010, US$1,874,400.00. On the other hand, the economic agents have voluntarily paid only US$67,467.22. Furthermore, the Administrative Contentious Tribunal and the Constitutional Tribunal of the Supreme Court of Justice have suspended the payment of several fines. Notwithstanding the aforementioned, fines amounting US$111,348.68 have not been collected yet, even though their payment has not been suspended by any authority. Amongst the topics to be addressed during this high studies course are the following: Background of Competition Law; Introduction to Competition Restrictions; Competition Law of El Salvador; Sanctioning Procedure; Competition Law and the State, amongst others. In addition, hypothetical cases will also be discussed and solved. These topics will be addressed by CS´ officials, many of whom have experience as university professors. Background

• In December 2008, the CS carried out a high studies course on “Introduction to Competition Law”, exclusively for university professors, and

• In November and December 2010, the CS carried out a high studies course on “Introduction to Competition Law”, for professionals of various careers related to competition issues.