Deregulation helped consumers and employment, KEPE study finds

Consumers and employment in Greece have enjoyed considerable benefits from the opening up of commodity markets implemented since 2010 (in the context of the bailout programs and the recommendations of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development), according to a study by the Center of Planning and Economic Research (KEPE).

The study also showed on Wednesday that the lifting of regulations concerning the status of offers and sales has led to a reduction in product prices, with KEPE recommending the further liberalization of the institutional framework.

The analysis assessed five main markets (baby formula, food supplements and vitamins, bakeries, cement, and offers and sales) where significant steps were taken toward their liberalization. It found an expanded range (up to 25 percent) of prices available in baby milk, food supplements and retail commerce in...