Actions taken by "ҚазАвтоЖола" have revealed signs of violations of antitrust legislation. This inspection was conducted by the Department of the Agency for the Protection and Development of Competition in Astana, as reported by a correspondent from the business information center Kapital.kz, referencing the press service of the AZRK.
The agency explained that "ҚазАвтоЖол" recommended "KazNIISA" to include specific manufacturer's inspection and monitoring complexes in the project and estimate documentation for equipping all border posts.
"Thus, an advantage is created for certain suppliers, which constitutes a violation of legislation in the area of competition protection, specifically anti-competitive actions by an organization performing state functions. The company's actions exhibit signs of violation of competition protection laws, as outlined in subparagraph 9) of paragraph 2 of Article 194 of the RK Tax Code: anti-competitive actions (inaction) of organizations endowed by the state with regulatory functions over market entities, in terms of offering specific market participants benefits or other advantages that place them in a privileged position relative to competitors," the AZRK reported.
A notification regarding the inadmissibility of actions leading to the restriction of competition in the market for inspection equipment was sent to "ҚазАвтоЖол." The company has taken measures to address the identified violations.
"ҚазАвтоЖол" is the national operator for managing highways. By the government decree dated December 31, 2019, No. 1055, "On the Approval of the State Program for Infrastructure Development 'Nūrly Zhol' for 2020-2025," the reconstruction of border posts at the external borders of the EAEU has been assigned to the national company.