An international forum was held in Seoul Tuesday to discuss the role of the competition policy in promoting the market economy.

During the Seoul Competition Forum 2001 held at the COEX Convention and Exhibition Center, President Kim Dae-jung stressed in a video message that fair competition is not an option but an essential condition for a 21st century market economy.

The Korea Free Trade Commission organized the forum in commemoration of its 20th anniversary.

In a keynote speech, Illya Yuzhanov, Russia's Minister for Antimonopoly Policy and Support of Entrepreneurship, said the role of his and other anti-trust authorities will continue to grow to promote economic development, adding that the Russian government has uncovered over 800 cases of monopolistic activities.