Prime Minister Sherif Ismail issued a decision to form a committee that will count available lands to establish supermarkets.

The panel, to be led by the minister of supply and to comprise representatives of the ministries of defence, local development, interior, environment, housing, electricity and antiquities, will do the job within 48 hours, under the decision.

It will also draw up a mechanism for allocating the lands and giving permits to facilitate measures for investors and encourage domestic trade.

The supermarket chain will be the state's tool to control prices and serve citizens, said the cabinet's spokesman Hossam el Qaweish.

Over a period from six months to a year, a large number of supermarkets will be built.

The cabinet discussed proposals floated by the supply minister to cut short the measures required to accomplish the project.