The role of the International BRICS Competition Law and Policy Centre at the National Research University Higher School of Economics (HSE) was officially recognized in the final declaration of the XVII BRICS Summit, held on July 6–7 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The summit was held under the theme “Strengthening Cooperation among Global South Countries for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.”
Paragraph 72 of the declaration states:
“We acknowledge the role of the BRICS International Competition Law and Policy Centre activities in knowledge creation and knowledge sharing amongst BRICS competition authorities and the importance to ensure the most favorable conditions for the competition law development of BRICS economies and work towards the elimination of monopoly barriers in socially important markets. ”
Member countries also reaffirmed their commitment to further advancing cooperation in antitrust legislation and policy among BRICS states. The goal is to promote sustainable market development, combat anti-competitive cross-border practices effectively, and promote healthy and fair market environment.
The significance of the BRICS Centre had also been noted in the Kazan Declaration adopted at the XVI BRICS Summit in October 2024. During a session focused on deeper integration among BRICS nations, Russian President Vladimir Putin commended the Centre’s performance:
“The International BRICS Competition Law and Policy Centre has proven its effectiveness. We believe it is important to further develop this initiative, including the launch of an intergovernmental platform for fair competition,”
Putin emphasized.
Recognition of the Centre’s contribution dates back to 2020, when the XII BRICS Summit Declaration (paragraph 78) praised its work in enhancing cooperation among BRICS competition authorities. That declaration highlighted the Centre’s contribution to creating fair competition conditions in key markets and to advancing socio-economic development through improved competition policy and enforcement.
Alexey Ivanov, Director of the BRICS Competition Law and Policy Centre at HSE, commented:
“This is not the first time the BRICS Centre has received support from BRICS leaders, and we are grateful for their trust and high appraisal. However, this is the first time our work has been recognized during a presidency other than Russia’s — under Brazil’s leadership. This confirms the Centre’s established role as a key research institution for promoting competition in the interests of the developing world.
"As part of Brazil’s BRICS presidency, we are also planning to host the 4th Annual BRICS+ Digital Competition Forum this November in Rio de Janeiro, co-organized with the FGV Law School. The Forum will bring together scholars, civil society representatives, and competition authorities from BRICS and partner countries to share knowledge and best practices on addressing challenges in digital markets,”
Ivanov added.
The BRICS Centre received official support from the Russian Government in 2020. Previously, it operated as part of the HSE-Skolkovo Institute for Law and Development. The initiative to establish the Centre as an independent unit was proposed by the Russian Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) and endorsed by antitrust agencies of other BRICS member states.
