The law commission of the French Senate has approved an amendment to the organic law to allow New Caledonia to set up new administrative authorities.
The move is aimed at allowing the territory to establish a competition watchdog as part of efforts to help combat the high cost of living.
A further amendment calls for communities to be allowd to set up public companies.
The amendments will go to the Senate next week.
This comes as the French prime minister, Jean-Marc Ayrault, is due in New Caledonia next week for a three-day visit.
