The Ministry of Trade & Regional Integration has reported the deposit of over 4.8 million Br into the government treasury from fines imposed on traders found guilty of engaging in anti-competitive business practices during the 2024/25 fiscal year. According to the Ministry, four traders were penalised after being found in violation of competition laws, with each ordered to pay five percent of their annual sales turnover. The total amount collected reached 4,832,652 Br, as confirmed by Getnet Ashenafi, head of the Anti-Competition and Law Enforcement Prevention Desk. In parallel, consumer protection efforts led to the recovery and investigation of 2.59 million Br related to complaints over faulty or misrepresented goods. Consumers who lodged complaint were offered redress through either full refunds or replacement of the defective goods, without incurring additional costs. Getnet stated that a total of 23 investigations into alleged anti-competitive commercial activities were conducted during the fiscal year. Of these, 19 cases were finalised, resulting in legal assessments and administrative decisions issued by the Ministry. The Ministry indicated it would continue to strengthen enforcement activities and public awareness campaigns to deter future violations and promote ethical business conduct across the country.

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