We also applaud the resolution of the International Civic Aviation Organization, to propose to ban smoking on all international flights. Which in fact meets the demand of a vast majority of airline passengers. In addition, we all know that any decision making on any public policy is heavily influenced by the issue of cost. Within our comprehensive tobacco control strategies, we must be ready and able to use cost both as an argument and as a weapon for requiring, as well as for enforcing action. Tobacco companies most profitable Tobacco companies are among the most profitable in the world.
Tobacco is cheap to produce and process.
Cigarettes are cheap to stock and ship. Even when taxes are taken into account, the potential for profit is immense. The economic consequences of tobacco use are being documented in a growing number of countries, demonstrating that overall costs for the communities, many times exceeds the short time economic benefits which are produced and derived from tobacco sales. The economic losses incurred have been reported in many developed countries and new studies are emerging in such countries as the People's Republic of China, Egypt, Malaysia, South Africa and Venezuela. These studies show that in most developing countries, tobacco use is also causing large economic losses.