c) Consumer Welfare This Policy recognizes the importance of consumer welfare as a public intere,s :.p,heqornenon: that .encompas$es other issues such as the protection of consumer interests, rights and access to a wider choice of . quality goods and services at competitive prices. 6.0 GU IDING PRINCiPLES . . 6.1 Competition principles recognize that competition is not an end in itself but rather a means for,improv\ng the oyerall eCQnomic performanc and welfare oLthecouQtry., Accordingly, Competition Policy considers issues such as cs!:)stl;lir;l<;lbl,e dev,eIQPrnent; social welfare, consumer inter sts .and efficient . use ,of !r sol,lrCes. , On that basis, the, broad Guiding Principles which " underlie8otswana's Competition Policy are outlined below: . . ' . .. ' . : a) Unfettered Gompetition to drive competitiveness ahd dynamism throughout almost all sectors of the economy; b) Universal and transparent application of competition rules stimulates inter-firm rivalry and leads to efficiency in the allocation of resources; c) Prohibition of any behaviour, which has the purpose or effect of lessening competition in a market; d) ALJthorization of some anticompetitive. behaviour on the basis of "public interest", if and when, total welfare gains to society outweigh the costs; and e) Consistency of the Competition Policy with and its supportiveness of the gener.;:lI thrust of domestic economic reforms in Botswana which, among other things, call for the removal of unnecessary barriers to trade: ,and competition and relaxation of cumbersome administrative regulations. 7.0' POLICY OBJECTIVES 7.1 The objectives of the Competition Policy are to: a) Enhance economic efficiency, promote consumer welfare and support economic growth and diversification; t" ..iF:' 6 ! �� I===---=-- - = -- - . ----=-- -- - - ------- -----=====� -��==� - --- - -