NAYPYITAW, 14 October 2021, (TON): Global cigarette giant British American Tobacco (BAT) has announced it will halt its operations in Myanmar by the end of this year, making it the latest major foreign firm to leave the country since February’s coup.

The company, which produces the London, Kent, and Lucky Strike brands at its Yangon factory, re-entered Myanmar in 2013 a decade after being forced to leave amid pressure from campaigners who opposed its business dealings with the former junta. 

Madeeh Pasha, BAT’s Area Corporate Affairs Manager for the Middle East & South Asia, said the departure came after an analysis of the company’s viability in the country, but did not elaborate or cite the coup as a reason.

He said “like any global company, we continuously evaluate our operations around the world. Having evaluated the long-term operational and commercial viability of our business in Myanmar, we have taken the decision to withdraw from the country and cease all operations.”

He added. BAT Myanmar employs around 400 people “the business discontinuation is expected to be completed by the end of 2021. We are in discussions with the impacted BAT employees about next steps and will remain committed to supporting them through the process.”