The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission was named the Global Competition Review's Agency of the Year – Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa at a recent awards ceremony in Washington.

The awards recognise particularly creative, strategic and innovative work of competition regulators around the world.

Other regulators recognised by the awards were the United States Department of Justice Anti-Trust Division and UK's Office of Fair Trading for the Americas and Europe respectively.

The awards are decided by readers of the Global Competition Review following nominations from law firms, economics firms, competition authorities, corporate legal departments, and universities.

"Strong and effective enforcement of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 is essential for the economy and ultimately all Australians," ACCC chairman Rod Sims said today.

"While there is always more work to do, it is certainly rewarding to see your efforts recognised internationally and by your peers," Mr Sims said.