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Imminent anti-monopoly move angers some Gaza traders

Gaza's Ministry of National Economy will abolish exclusive commercial import licenses effective April 1.
A truck loaded with goods enters the Gaza Strip from Israel through the Kerem Shalom crossing on October 12, 2014, in Rafah in southern Gaza. Some 50 countries are attending a Gaza Donor Conference in Egypt, with Palestinians hoping for $4 billion in global pledges, despite wariness from donors that without a full peace treaty with Israel they may just be pouring money down the drain. AFP PHOTO / SAID KHATIB        (Photo credit should read SAID KHATIB/AFP/Getty Images)
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GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — A controversial move designed to combat monopolies is about to take effect in the Gaza Strip. Proponents say the change will cut prices for consumers, while opponents warn it will open the door to commercial fraud and counterfeit goods.

In October, the Ministry of National Economy in the Gaza Strip gave traders six months to sell their goods as a preliminary step toward abolishing all exclusive commercial trading licenses. The law, which takes effect April 1, is designed to level the playing field for all importers, open the door to market competition and curb rising prices in favor of consumers.

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