Global Corporate & Regulatory Affairs Director visits Dubai

He stated that BAT would continue to lead the way in demonstrating good corporate citizenship in all of its business activities by pioneering innovative programmes with local governments and government agencies.

Speaking at a press conference, Prideaux said: "Underage smoking is of widespread concern in most countries of the world and we share that concern. Only a fortnight ago we announced a partnership with The Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) in Jordan to fight underage smoking by establishing the first ever Youth Smoking Prevention City in the Middle East and North Africa region. We have developed together with institutions in Saudi Arabia a similar initiative in the Kingdom and we will also continue to work with the Kuwaiti Teachers Society to prevent underage smoking."

He continued: "In 2003 we worked alongside the Abu Dhabi Municipality in the enforcement of its underage smoking law. Using our own network of distributors we were able to send out materials and information to local retailers informing them not to sell cigarettes to people below the legal age of 18 years."

On the issue of illicit trade and counterfeit goods he commented: "Illicit trade in tobacco products is another worldwide problem. This trade comprises not only contraband cigarette products on which the full duties and taxes have not been paid, but also counterfeit products - i.e. products which are unauthorized imitations of legitimate brands. We are currently working effectively with several governments in the Middle East and North Africa to address the problems of illicit trade. Directly as a consequence of the cooperation between ourselves and various local governments and authorities, millions of illegal cigarettes are regularly seized and destroyed.

"In the Levant we have established a Brand Protection Group in association with a number of other multi-national companies. We aim to act as an industry coalition in the fight against illicit trade and counterfeiting and hope to expand this initiative across the Middle East and North Africa."

BAT has been represented in the Middle East since 1905 when it started business operations in Egypt. It manufactures and distributes over 20 brands in the region including Kent, Dunhill, Rothman's, Lucky Strike, Viceroy, John Player, Benson & Hedges, Pall Mall and Montana.