The Parliament has enacted the competition law which aims at abolishing the exclusivity of commercial agencies. With this law, Lebanon will be the last country in the world to abolish these agencies, according to Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri.

The story of agencies enshrined in law since 1967, provided protection to a number of merchants and gave them exclusive representation of companies and brands on Lebanese territory, which led to their complete control over all sectors.

According to the International Information, the number of exclusive agency owners in Lebanon does not exceed 300 only. They monopolize the import and distribution of 2,335 commodities, according to the exclusive agency contracts registered at the Lebanese Ministry of Economy between 2005 and 2018.

The problem that arises today with the end of this law lies is in the extent of the ability to control the black market and increase the smuggling process.

In Lebanon, the problem is no longer just approving or canceling a law, but rather in the consequences of this step, which is represented in unifying the exchange rate, boosting control, developing an integrated economic plan, and activating the state’s work in auditing, monitoring and accountability, instead of deluding the Lebanese with a new reform illusion.