New Caledonia is on track to getting a competition watchdog with powers to enforce its rulings.
The French overseas territories minister, George Pau-Langevin, says a ordinance has been tabled in cabinet to give the body powers similar to the ones of the French agency.
This comes after years of unease and protest in New Caledonia over the high cost of living, which in part has been blamed on the lack of competition in the wholesale sector.
Last year, the French legislature updated the organic law for New Caledonia, allowing the territory to set up independent administrative authorities.