Philip Morris today marked 20 years since the privatization of the Niš Tobacco Industry in the presence of Prime Minister Ana Brnabić and announced a new investment worth 100 million dollars, within which 200 new jobs will be created.
On that occasion, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the company Philip Morris Operations a.d. Niš (PMOP) and the Government of Serbia.
On behalf of the government, the Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Prime Minister Ana Brnabić, who said that today’s anniversary represents a new beginning for the Philip Morris International company in Serbia, which is one of the leaders in innovation, modern technologies and which offers its consumers increasingly innovative and better solutions.
“The fact that you decided on Niš and Serbia, at a time of instability in Europe, is an additional proof of trust in the Republic of Serbia, and for that I sincerely thank you. Also, the investment of five million dollars from the Philip Morris company in the StarTec project to support innovation and digital transformation of the Serbian economy, is an example of responsible business and the way in which the company supports the vision of the Government of Serbia in making our country a European center for modern technologies,” said the prime minister.
She added that she was particularly pleased that the company decided to extend the StarTech project for the next three years. With this investment, the factory in Niš, which until now produced only traditional cigarettes, will start production of a new line of smokeless tobacco products, which will be intended for export.
Thanks to the latest investment, about 200 new jobs will be created, and with this investment, the total investment of the Philip Morris company in operations in Serbia will exceed one billion dollars.
The investment was announced on behalf of the company by director Jacek Olczak, who said that this is a big step towards realizing the vision of the future in which cigarettes will be replaced by better alternatives.
“We are grateful to the Government of Serbia for creating a good business environment that has enabled us to successfully operate here for 20 years, but also to continue investing,” said Olczak and pointed out that with the appropriate regulatory framework and support, joint forces can achieve a future without tobacco smoke.
