The Market Research and Consumer Protection Center at the University of Baghdad, in collaboration with the Council for Competition Affairs and Anti-Monopoly, organized a specialized scientific symposium titled “The Role of Modern Marketing in Enhancing Competition in the Local Market,” with participation from a distinguished group of academics and experts representing both the public and private sectors.
The event opened with a welcoming speech by Assist.Prof.Dr. Mahmoud Abdullah Jassim, Director of the Center, who emphasized the essential role of marketing in supporting the national economy and achieving equilibrium in the Iraqi market, while highlighting the significance of such events in promoting awareness of sound marketing practices. This was followed by a speech from Dr. Ahmed Younis Qasim, Chairman of the Council, who stressed the need for integration between the government, private sector, and academic institutions to establish a fair competitive environment that limits monopolies and encourages economic growth.
The scientific session, chaired by Assist.Prof.Dr. Khalid Jamal Fadel, featured a range of presentations addressing the key challenges and opportunities presented by modern marketing in fostering market competitiveness. Among the topics discussed were:
The role of marketing in enhancing competition through human capital, presented by Assist.Prof.Dr. Mukhlid Al-Shammari and Dr. Mazen Sabbār Mohammed, focusing on developing human capabilities to boost institutional performance;
- Digital marketing as a key driver for local market competitiveness, presented by Assist.Prof.Dr. Sama Ali Al-Zubaidi from Al-Mustansiriya University, who stressed the strategic value of investing in digital content;
- The social costs of marketing amid price structure distortion, discussed by Dr. Atheer Natiq Al-Alawi from the High Commission for Human Rights, which explored the ethical and social dimensions of marketing practices;
- The impact of influencer marketing on competition, presented by Assist.Prof.Dr. Basheer Ismail Mahmoud from the University of Baghdad, who addressed the influence of modern media and social figures on promotional strategies;
- Banking services marketing, discussed by Ms. Rania Dallir, Deputy Executive Director at Bayt Al-Hikma Consulting, who outlined strategies to achieve competitiveness and sustainability in the financial sector.
- A study on the costs of digital marketing and their role in enhancing competitiveness was also presented based on Administrative Order No. 537, highlighting the importance of strategic budget allocation to maximize the efficiency of promotional campaigns.
The symposium featured interactive discussions between researchers and attendees, focusing on the development of marketing tools and strategies that foster a free and responsive competitive market. At the close of the symposium, a set of recommendations was issued to support government and private sector efforts in building a fair and sustainable competitive environment, and certificates of appreciation were distributed to participants and speakers in recognition of their scientific and professional contributions.
In this context, digital marketing and sustainable development were presented as interconnected concepts, as digital marketing plays a critical role in achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals by leveraging digital technologies to promote environmentally friendly products and services, raise awareness of environmental and social issues, and encourage sustainable consumer behaviors.
