RIYADH — Saudi Arabia's competition watchdog dealt with complaints worth a total of SR135 million about market irregularities last year. The Competition Council said in its annual report published on Thursday that the total number of cases heard by its Hearing and Settlement Commission until the end of 2014 has exceeded SR350 million. The sectors where irregularities were found mainly included consumer goods and essential services. Presenting the annual report in the council, Minister of Commerce and Industry Tawfiq Al-Rabiah said Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman's government seeks to enhance the effective performance of the business sector and create an environment for growth based on fair competition. Al-Rabiah emphasized that the competition system aims to organize economic activities and guarantee a competitive investment environment. The council's secretary-general, Mohammed Al-Qasim, reviewed its achievements in promoting the principle of fair competition and providing a stimulating environment in all business sectors. He said the council strengthened its role through the amendment of some articles of the competition system. — SPA
