[Intl-tobacco] Iran: Plans to privatize the tobacco industry

[Robert Weissman]

Iran: Plans to privatize the tobacco industry

Source: IranMania.com, 2002-04-17, via tobacco.org

IFN - The Government has approved the general outlines of a plan to
eliminate state monopoly over the tobacco industry. The state-run
Iran Tobacco Company currently controls all activities in this
industry.

The plan, proposed by the ministries of Commerce as well as
Industries and Mines, paves the way for lifting the restrictions on
production and import of cigarettes. The move is in line with the
Third Five-Year Development Plan (2000-2005), which envisages
lifting of legal restriction on certain economic activities.

The plan, which aims to prevent large-scale smuggling of cigarettes,
is expected to receive the final approval within the next two
months.

Once the plan comes into force, the Ministry of Industries and Mines
will issue permits for the construction of tobacco factories to the
private sector. The Government plans to curb cigarette smuggling by
amending custom tariffs and tax regulations on imports.