Restoration of tobacco plant in Bikfaya kicks off

Régie transfers to Treasury totaled $100 million

Rehabilitation works at the tobacco sorting factory in Bikfaya were launched on Thursday (March 14). “This step aims to boost the quality of local tobacco in the international markets,” said Nassif Seklawi, Chairman of the State-run tobacco monopoly, Régie.

Seklawi said: “In addition to the direct support the Régie offers to farmers through purchasing their harvest at subsidized prices, the manufacturing and trading of tobacco also brings profit to the Treasury.” Tobacco sales totaled around $1.4 billion in 2012. Transfers to the Treasury reached $100 million, up from $70 million in 2011.

Seklawi said: “The restoration of the factory is significant for the tobacco industry: It will contribute to enhancing the quality of exported tobacco and will reduce wastage to two percent, compared to 20 percent previously.”

The Régie started other projects in 2012, including the establishment of an electronic archive center. A new cigarette production line will also be established soon.