Lynn: Philadephi agreement must take into account economic aspects

Uriel Lynn chairman of the Federation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce commented last week about the forthcoming disengagement process and the pending Philadelphi agreement with Egypt.
 
Lynn argued that security agreement with Egypt on the Philadephi security road located on the Gaza Strip-Sinai border should prevent the free flow of goods from Palestinian areas into Israel. Such a flow, according to Lynn, could hurt Israel's economy, health, and public safety.
 
Lynn added that there is mounting concern among members of the chamber of commerce that imported goods, on which high taxes are paid in Israel, will not be able to compete against goods coming from the Palestinian Authority, on which low, if any, taxes are levied.
 
Lynn emphasized that if the government does not bring in the economic aspects into consideration the result would be loss of tax revenue on imports from place other than the Palestinian Authority.
 
Lynn warned that the Standards Institution of Israel would lose control if substandard goods enter into Israel from Palestinian areas undisturbed, without enforcement of import laws. He added that Israeli citizens would face dangerous products, mainly substandard drugs or out-of-date drugs & food. There is also the risk of agricultural produce irrigated with contaminated water.