This Opinion looks at the often close links between big business and governments in the developing world, and whether this close relationship can be bad for the competition that economies need in order to grow. It argues that the best way to tackle vested interests who oppose reform, is to establish and facilitate coordination amongst other interest groups who stand to gain from reform, including consumers, and potential new entrants to the market, who can make their voices heard through business associations.  If these groups can be mobilised to lobby effectively for reform, this can help to offset the political pressure to maintain the status quo.  Achieving a sound framework for competition is difficult, and beset by vested interests, but it is crucial to ensuring that markets work to deliver growth and development.