Malaysia to Study Effects of AFTA on Tobacco Growers

Source from:  tobaccoreporter.com 08/02/2005

The Malaysian government has asked a consultant to study the impact of the Asean Free Trade Area (AFTA) on the country's tobacco industry prior to AFTA's implementation in 2010, reports the Malaysian National News Agency. The prime minister's department said the study is being undertaken to protect the interests of local tobacco farmers who will be affected by the strict AFTA regulations and stiff competition from other countries. The outcome of the study would be used to find solutions to help farmers without affecting the government's commitment to AFTA. The outcome of the study, which should be completed in two months, would also be used in outlining the policy for the country's tobacco industry under the Ninth Malaysia Plan (2006-2010). The department said tobacco farmers should venture into other agricultural activities, such as animal breeding and cultivation of other crops, to reduce their dependence on tobacco farming. Enditem