In the last month the government decided almost doubled excise tax on cigarettes. At the same time, it offered a very substantial discount on excise to the local state tobacco company. Targeting the multinationals for revenue on the one hand. It is, incidentally, also an open invitation to corruption. Contrabrand is already a very significant problem and, with excise tax getting out of control, it can only get worse.
Business has a point of view and it needs to be heard.
Our desire is to create a genuine partnership with the government and together, move forward into the 21st century. We believe that we have a lot to contribute beyond mere money. Our interests and Romania's interests are the same. But if we are to prosper, if Romania is to prosper protectionism must cease and investors must be allowed to earned a return on their investment. I spoke earlier about a vision of Romania in five years time.