JANUARY 5, 2002

Turkey gives tobacco a boost

IN a world where legislation is usually against tobacco companies, the Turkish government has just announced plans to open up its tobacco industry. The move comes as the country tries to secure a loan from the International Monetary Fund. The law has once been vetoed by the president but he is not allowed to use the veto a second time.

The reforms end the government's tobacco monopoly and open up the industry from foreign companies. Those against the bill say that it will disrupt the tobacco farmers and put some of them out of business.

Turkey is bidding for a Grand Prix and favorable tobacco laws will certainly not hinder the country's ambitions in this respect.

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