1.0 ' INTRODUCTION 1.1 Globally, competition policy has become a central element of the structural reform process. Therefore, the rationSlle for thi' s the need. to maximi$e the benefits of trade Eind investment liberalisation, c!eregulatibn,priv tisation ' .Slnd to proteGt the b enefits·g n erated by competition from erosion by anticompetltive pr ctices in 'adere.gulated environment. The Policy also .ajms to 'address problems 'rel ted Jo the globalisation of cartels, abuse of market 90minanc arid mOnopOlisation of key sectors following the opening up of markets and the increase in cross­ thereto, a$ well as border trade, matters connected therewith, . and incidental ' investment flows. . . 1.2 Competition Policy, thus, pro ides a frameWork to preventa h d redress anticompetitive practices and' qpnduct by firms and to 'Create a pUsiness friendly environment that encourages competttion nd. effieie,!1t . use of resources. This, in turn, promotes investment and in-novation,' broadens. choices for consumers, reduces monopoly rents and .consumer prices and raises the quality of goods and services produced. Healthy competition thus drives firms to be more efficiE;mt and to pass on the benefits of efficiency to consumers. 1.3 Botswana has had an open economy since independence in 1966 and has consistently sought to strengthen the functioning of markets. In pursuit of this goal, Government has been developihg and iniplemEmting poliCies arid programmes for promoting the development of.a dynamic private sector. 1.4 Notwithstahding the forgoing, there is concern about the emerging private sector anticompetitive practices, which are likely to undermine Government's economic reform objectives. 1.5 The purpose of this policy paper, therefore, is to establish the parameters and the strategic policy considerations that will guide the drafHng of a competition law. It also addresses the regulatory and institutional infrastructure that will ensure the effective implementation and enforcement of a competition law. 1