During the last few years the Regie was clear about its will to further expand tobacco industry. The result was manufacturing local brands, and later some international brands at the Regie’s plants, covering the needs of local and nearby markets. Hence, its agreement with Imperial Tobacco allowing the production of all of the company’s brands, except for Davidoff that would be later manufactured under the supervision of the company’s international experts.
The agreement is a first step toward further cooperation with other international companies, according to the Regie’s member of the Administration Committee Mr. Georges Hobeika. The Regie had renewed its plants, with a cost of USD 35,000,000, and is now ready to accomplish such mission, making it a regional tobacco manufacturer.
In the Lebanese market, the brands of Imperial Tobacco occupy 15% of sales, which means 10,000 boxes yearly. The agreement, within which Imperial Tobacco provides raw materials, allows the Regie to manufacture as same the imported quantity. The revenue would be the additional profits of production cost, estimated by 20% of importation and sales.
However, being a public establishment engaged in supporting and producing Lebanese tobacco, is it allowed to the Regie to manufacture foreign brands? The Regie’s General Manager and Chairman Mr. Nassif Seklaoui clarifies: “Tobacco monopoly regulationsject in order to reduce child labor, especially in the town of Srifa, which hosts many tobacco farmers.
He said that the Regie is always committed to the directives of President Nabih Berri and its Director General, in term of supporting farmers, urging sustainable development – especially reducing child labor and protecting the right to play, learn, healthcare, and food – because this nation needs to always be committed to children rights and to protecting farmers.
He added that every year the Regie undertakes development projects throughout Lebanon, wishing more prosperity to such activity.
In turn, Safa spoke about the project of reducing child labor in the town of Srifa, which was aimed at raising awareness among local community about rights and reducing child labor. The project can target mothers, parents, children, youth, teachers, people with special needs, and activists.
Safa added that this festival was held under the title “children’s right to play”, in which have participated 100 children from Srifa, expressing their joy to achieve one of the rights stipulated in the international convention on the rights of the child. Safa thanked the Regie in the person of its General Director Eng. Nassif Seklaoui, the municipality of Srifa and its Chief Dr. Najdi, municipal members, local personalities, and whoever contributed to the objectives of the project.
Following exhibition games that took place between children, cups were distributed among the first and second winner of each category, while medals were distributed among all participants. As well, the municipal chief received an honorable cup from the Association’s Executive Director Mr. Mohammad Safa and all participants were hosted over a breakfast feast.