The Cabinet tomorrow (Sunday), 4.12.11, will approve measures to reduce the cost of living and increase competitiveness in the economy. This is an additional step in approving the Trajtenberg Committee recommendations; the tax benefits that have already been approved by the Cabinet are expected to be submitted for their second and third Knesset readings in the coming weeks.
According to the decision that will be submitted for approval tomorrow, the prices of gas for home use
The Cabinet will also continue its activities to reduce housing prices: The cement market will be opened to competition and its prices will be subject to supervision.
The Cabinet will also vote on the recommendation to increase competition in the fuel market by establishing 40 new filling stations that will be run by new operators. Supervision on the price of diesel fuel will also be reinstated.
An additional step that is expected to be approved tomorrow is an exemption from duties for those who import up to NIS 1,000 worth of goods via the Internet. This is a significant benefit for those who purchase various goods for self-use; the duties levied on such items today is likely to reach tens of percent.
In the framework of actions to prevent damage to the Israeli economy by monopolies and cartels, the Israel Antitrust Authority<www.antitrust.gov.il/eng> will be strengthened and its authority will be expanded. Thus, it will be able to take active measures to monitor deviations in the economy.
The Cabinet will also decide on increasing the number of bodies active in the public transportation sector in order to bring about a reduction in prices. In this framework, the Government will issue tenders in which proposed prices, service to citizens and other criteria will be considered.
An additional decision designed to a reduction in import and export costs is to advance the establishment of port terminals in Haifa and Ashdod.
