Business and Government Agencies Discuss Excise Taxation of Tobacco Products at the Seminar

On August 26, the Hotel Crowne Plaza Minsk hosted a seminar for government officials on excise taxation of tobacco products in different countries, including the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union (EEC). The seminar was organized by the Association of European Business under support of JTI (Japan Tobacco International), the member of the Association.

The purpose of the seminar was to give the business community and the government the opportunity to discuss current state of excise taxation of tobacco products, the impact of changes in the excise policy on tobacco illegal trade and the harmonization of excise policy processes in the Eurasian Economic Union, as well as to learn about international experience in the field of excise taxation.

JTI researched tax systems and the problem of illegal trade in dozens of countries. At the seminar, JTI experts specializing in tax policy and corporate compliance presented the results and general conclusions on the research. The speakers made an overview of the current situation and trends in the world of excise taxation of tobacco products, spoke about the position of JTI regarding Article 6 (Taxation) of the Framework Convention of the World Health Organization and presented the main findings on the illicit trade of tobacco products in the European Union.

Nurmatbek Mambetaliyev, the Head of Tax Policy, Financial Policy Department with the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC), continued the topic and explained to the participants the process of harmonization of excise policy in the Eurasian Economic Union.

At the end of the seminar, Yaugen Mardasevich, the AEB expert, gave a brief overview of the regulatory impact assessment mechanism in the Republic of Belarus.

The Association of European Business is a non-profit organization bringing together leading European and Belarusian companies to engage them in a dialogue to exchange experiences and improve the investment climate in Belarus.

JTI (Japan Tobacco International), a member of the group of companies Japan Tobacco Inc., is a leading international manufacturer of tobacco products. The company produces such famous brands as Winston, Mevius, Camel, and Benson & Hedges, Silk Cut, Sobranie, Glamouri LD. JTI does business in more than 120 countries worldwide, the company employs 27,000 employees in 364 offices, 8 research centers and 25 factories.