Imminent anti-monopoly move angers some Gaza traders
Gaza's Ministry of National Economy will abolish exclusive commercial import licenses effective April 1.
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.
Tariq Labad, the spokesman for the Hamas-run Ministry of National Economy, explained that prices are expected to fall 20-50% on many consumer goods.
“There are 40-50 commercial licenses in the Gaza Strip and their holders import goods from abroad, while some of them manipulate prices in light of the Israeli siege imposed on Gaza,” he said, stressing that his ministry’s main objective is to protect the consumer.
