The Director General of the Lebanese Tobacco and Tobacco Products Administration, Engineer Nassif Saklawy, announced good news for tobacco farmers regarding the payment for their crops in US dollars. Saklawy made this announcement during the inauguration of the municipal palace in Yamouna, in the presence of the Mayor of Yamouna Talal Sherif, Brigadier General Ali Sherif, members of the municipal council, local leaders, and other dignitaries.
Saklawy assured farmers that for the first time in REJI's history, they will purchase tobacco crops for cash in US dollars. Responding to concerns about the price of tobacco per kilogram being four dollars, he questioned why they pay for filters, printing, paper, and other expenses in dollars, yet do not do the same for farmers. He emphasized that whenever the dollar appreciates, tobacco farmers benefit from higher prices for their crops.
Last year, when support was lifted from everything, REJI approved a 110% aid package, which was impacted by the rise in the dollar exchange rate from 19,000 to 32,000. He stated that they bore the burden of providing 220 billion Lebanese pounds to farmers, which was not an easy task. Therefore, REJI will take the initiative to buy tobacco crops from farmers in dollars.
Saklawy highlighted that REJI's actions are a part of modern management policy. Instead of sending 450 million dollars to the state treasury, they could allocate 445 million dollars to projects benefiting municipalities without intermediaries or complex procedures. Unfortunately, the 2020 budget, specifically Article 32, prohibited public administrations from providing assistance. He suggested that the MPs should set controls for this article in institutions prioritizing sustainable development and community responsibilities if they have the capacity.
He mentioned the existence of 260 developmental projects completed in Akkar, Bekaa, and the South during a time when the state has not provided alternatives. Saklawy argued that it is not true that public institutions are failures, especially when they are well-managed, having converted losses into profits and contributed a portion of their profits to development projects.
He conveyed President Nabih Berri's greetings to the residents of Yamouna and his personal congratulations on their achievement through large collaboration with the municipality, in a town from which Imam Musa al-Sadr launched the slogan against national division.
Mayor of Yamouna Talal Sherif expressed gratitude on behalf of the municipal council and the residents of Yamouna to the REJI administration and Engineer Nassif Saklawy for his benevolent efforts and courageous initiatives. He remarked that this reflects Saklawy’s wisdom and commendable governance at REJI, serving as a successful model for what state institutions should embody.
Berri praised the successful appointment of capable individuals in suitable positions, stating that successful public institutions stem from the effectiveness of their management teams.
