RESEARCH PAPER

"Almost a role model of what we would like to do everywhere": British American Tobacco in Cambodia

R MacKenzie¹, J Collin¹, C Sopharo², Y Sopheap³

¹ Centre on Global Change and Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
² National Centre for Health Promotion, Ministry of Health, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
³ Adventist Development and Relief (ADRA) Cambodia, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Correspondence to:
Correspondence to:
Mr Ross MacKenzie
Centre on Global Change and Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK; ross.mackenzie{at}lshtm.ac.uk

Objectives: To examine British American Tobacco’s (BAT’s) renewed interest in Cambodia from the early 1990s, reviewing negotiations to establish a joint venture and the subsequent conduct of BAT Cambodia (BATC).

Methods: Analysis of previously confidential BAT documents relevant to the Cambodian market.

Results: With the advent of comparative political stability in the early 1990s, BAT was quick to explore the possibilities for investment. The Cambodian government urgently required foreign investment, offering inducements and assistance to investors. In developing a joint venture, BAT saw a cost effective opportunity to dominate the local market and to defend its regional interests, Cambodia being viewed as strategically located to support smuggling. Given minimal advertising regulation, BATC have undertaken wide ranging promotions and sought to prevent advances in tobacco control.

Conclusions: BATC is presented as a contribution to Cambodia’s regeneration, but the documents highlight its exploitation of state incapacity and an escalating threat to public health.

Abbreviations: BAT, British American Tobacco; BATC, BAT Cambodia; CTC, Cambodian Tobacco Company; JV, joint venture; SNC, Supreme National Council of Cambodia; SOC, State of Cambodia; SUTL, Singapura United Trading Limited; STC, Singapore Tobacco Company; SWRT, Subaru World Rally Team; TTCs, transnational tobacco companies; VFM, value for money; YAUS, young adult urban smokers

Keywords: British American Tobacco; Cambodia; investment; joint venture

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