The Georgian Competition and Consumer Agency (GCCA) has received prestigious international recognition for its decisions in the pharmaceutical sector and reforms in the country, which have been identified as best practices by the World Bank Group and the International Competition Network (ICN).

The award was presented on May 8 in Edinburgh, Scotland, during the 24th Annual Conference of the International Competition Network. The event was attended by Irakli Lekvinadze, Chairman of the GCCA.

The GCCA was recognized in the category - Promoting Sustained Competitive Processes for Increased Private Investment, Job Creation, and Consumer Welfare - for a case that resulted in substantial reforms in the pharmaceutical sector, following the Agency’s in-depth market monitoring and enforcement measures targeting concerted practices.

The GCCA was recognized under the nomination "Promoting Sustained Competitive Processes for Increased Private Investment, Job Creation, and Consumer Welfare" for a case that led to significant reforms in the pharmaceutical sector, following the Agency’s comprehensive market monitoring and enforcement actions addressing concerted practices.

As part of its efforts, the Agency issued 13 key recommendations to improve the competitiveness and transparency of the pharmaceutical sector. These recommendations contributed to major national reforms undertaken by the Government of Georgia and the Ministry of Health, including the introduction of an electronic prescription system, the implementation of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and Good Distribution Practice (GDP) standards, and the establishment of a reference pricing system covering up to 7,000 medicines. These measures led to a significant reduction in the price of many medications, resulting in substantial savings for patients. In 2023, the GCCA also imposed fines totaling GEL 53 million on four pharmaceutical companies for collusive pricing practices in public tenders for oncology drugs.

In the second nomination – Strengthening Public Procurement and Eliminating Collusive Agreements to Reduce Budgetary Costs – the Agency was recognized for a landmark decision addressing concerted practices among four companies involved in a municipal procurement process.

The International Competition Network (ICN) brings together competition and antitrust authorities from nearly 160 jurisdictions worldwide. The 2025 Annual Conference welcomed over 500 delegates, including heads of competition authorities, ICN members, civil society representatives, and experts in the field.