Finance Minister Yassin Jaber, while presiding today over the inauguration of the Lebanese Tobacco and Tobacco Products Monopoly (Al-Rigi) at its factory in Hadath, described the launch of a new production line for Philip Morris International products and packaging, noting that “Al-Rigi” is one of the most successful state-owned institutions.
He added that “its revenues constitute a key contribution to the treasury,”
while the Chairman and General Manager of “Al-Regi,” Engineer Nassif Saqlawi, said that installing the production line using Lebanese expertise was “a challenge under extraordinary circumstances,” as it took place in the midst of the Israeli aggression.”
Also attending the ceremony were the Chairman of the Board of Directors, General Manager Engineer Nassif Saqlawi, and members of the “Regie” Management Committee.
Jaber
In a speech delivered during the ceremony, Jaber expressed his pride in the progress achieved by “Al-Rigi,” noting that it is “one of the most successful government institutions owned by the Lebanese state,” and that its revenues constitute a fundamental and significant contribution to supporting the treasury and the budget.”
Jaber said, “Al-Rigi continues to expand its production despite the difficult circumstances Lebanon is facing,” noting that the institution “is always ready to add new production lines” because quality and success are the hallmarks of its work.
Minister Jaber emphasized that “supporting national industry must be a priority in the coming phase.”
He considered that “investing in human resources is one of Lebanon’s most important missions.”
He said, “Government institutions must take advantage of the potential of our young people,” praising Lebanese professionals who have proven their ability to manage and operate production projects with the highest levels of efficiency and professionalism.
He also praised the partnership between “Al-Rigi” and “Philip Morris” that has been in place for nearly ten years.
He noted that “its continuation within a framework of trust and stability reflects confidence in the institution’s capabilities and in Lebanese youth,” and expressed his gratitude to the partner company for its trust and cooperation.
Regarding the budget, Jaber affirmed that the Ministry of Finance “always strives to submit it on time.”
He revealed that it “will be referred to the House of Representatives in early October, allowing for its approval before the start of the fiscal year, in accordance with the Constitution.”
In this context, he noted that funds have been allocated to the “Housing” Foundation to provide affordable housing loans with low interest rates, stating that “this step has significant economic and social implications.”
He emphasized that “stability and security are essential conditions for the continuity of work and production.”
He said: “ “The ‘Regi’ provides a clear example that overcoming challenges is possible, even under the most difficult circumstances, when there is effective management, competent human resources, and productive partnerships.”
Saqlawi
As for Engineer Saqlawi, he said: “The launch of the production line was a challenge in itself, as work proceeded amid the roar of shelling, just meters from the Southern Suburbs, with the walls shaking; yet work and training on installing the production line continued without assistance from any foreign company.”
This challenge was not merely one faced under unusual circumstances, but under exceptional ones—which reflects international companies’ confidence in the Regi and their confidence in investing in the Regi.
He added, “This challenge has two aspects: one relates to the determination of the ‘Al-Rigi’ management and its staff, and the other relates to the support provided by His Excellency the Minister, who has closely followed and accompanied our key steps in implementation.”
He said, “We decided to raise the price paid to farmers and to provide assistance for every kilogram we produce as a reward for their resilience; we have many such cases in the south, in the villages of Buraq, Deir Amis, and Froun.”
He added: “As for the farmers who were unable to cultivate their fields, each will receive an amount determined based on the size of their crops.” He said, “We visited Speaker Nabih Berri, as he is the patron of this sector, to hear his guidance, and he was encouraging and supportive.”
He noted that “38 tobacco farmers have been killed during this period.”
Karaman
Ali Karaman, General Manager of Philip Morris, said: “We are proud to celebrate a milestone in our partnership with the Lebanese Tobacco and Tobacco Products Authority (Regie), which reflects the success of a long-standing partnership based on trust and excellence.”
“A Qualitative Leap”
Minister Jaber honored six employees at “Al-Regi” who oversaw the installation of the new production line, while both Saqlawi and Karaman presented two plaques of appreciation to Engineer Paul Ghneima, head of the Industry and Maintenance Department at “Al-Regi.”
“Al-Rigi” explained in a statement that Philip Morris International provided the new line to replace its previous one, which had limited production capacity, in light of the continued growth in demand for its products manufactured by “Al-Rigi,” and the 65 percent increase in its market share over the past two years.
The statement noted that “the new line represents a quantum leap in terms of production capacity and technology, with a capacity of approximately 12,000 cigarettes per minute.”
The statement explained that “the line utilizes a modern generation of cigarette manufacturing and packaging technology, thereby enhancing automation levels, operational efficiency, quality, and reliability, and provides the factory with additional flexibility to meet growing demand, introduce new products in the future, and utilize available capacity in accordance with its needs and production schedules.”
“Al-Riggi” emphasized in its statement that “the importance of the project stems in particular from the fact that the administration’s technical teams undertook the bulk of the line’s installation and commissioning work locally, during an exceptional period when the manufacturers’ technical teams were unable to travel to Lebanon,
which demonstrates its ability to install and commission the latest industrial equipment and operate it with high efficiency, and reflects the advanced technical expertise possessed by the organization.”
The statement added that “the new production line represents a significant milestone in the Regi’s ongoing strategy to modernize its industrial base, increase production efficiency, and adopt modern technology.”
It is expected that “the operation of the new line will contribute to increasing manufacturing capacity and creating new job opportunities, in addition to supporting local manufacturing, strengthening the Regi’s contribution to the national economy, localizing technology and expertise, and providing greater production flexibility.”
She noted that “partnerships with international companies help transfer modern industrial technology to Lebanon, develop the expertise of local technical teams, and strengthen their independence in managing advanced equipment.”
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