To reduce the cost of living and enhance competition, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has reached out to wholesale giant Costco with a request to enter the Israeli market, reports Arutz-7. In a letter addressed to Costco CEO Walter Jelinek and Chairman of the Board Hamilton James, obtained by Israel National News, the minister writes that the government of Israel has set a goal to decrease the cost of living and increase competition in the Israeli retail food market, and sees the entry of global companies into the local market as a significant way to achieve this. Smotrich expresses that the government considers Costco's scale, leadership, and global presence in food retail as a valuable asset and invites the company to enter the Israeli market, which he views as a mutually beneficial opportunity for both Costco and the people of Israel. The minister adds that he will be available to discuss the matter during his next trip to the US.