JTI’s entry into new markets is a good thing.

By recently reading the “Japan’s tobacco temptation” piece, published in the Daily Observer in Bangladesh. As you may be aware, JTI recently announced the acquisition of Akij Group's tobacco business – the largest foreign investment in the history of Bangladesh.

To summarize, the journalist questions the motives of JTI investing in the country. As a Bangladeshi who is optimistic about his country’s future, the journalist asks if it is “good” for a large multinational tobacco company to enter the market.

While I do not normally comment on individual articles, I think it is worthwhile addressing. The question is reasonable, and will continue to be asked as JTI expands its presence globally. In context, JTI has recently made other large acquisitions in the Philippines, Russia as well as Ethiopia.

I strongly believe that a company like JTI can add a lot to the local economy, and be a valuable corporate citizen.

Globally, as the third largest company in our industry, we have the capacity to invest in expensive research and development to potentially reduce the risks of smoking. We have already invested billions of dollars in such initiatives. But until such time that a ‘safe smoke’ is invented and recognized by governments, it is an inevitable fact that conventional tobacco products will continue to be in demand by adult smokers all around the world, including in Bangladesh.

While some tobacco executives, decades ago, lied to the public, which was irresponsible, I know that JTI is different. It is time to move on and accept that the world we live in today is a very different world. I am confident that over time, JTI will demonstrate to this journalist and other critics what role we can play by what we’ll do and how we’ll do it, in Bangladesh and elsewhere.

All the best to JTI and Bangladesh tobacco industry.

@shakilmahmud