During his visit to the Regie earlier today, Engineer Ziad Makari, Minister of Information in the caretaker government, was warmly received by Engineer Nassif Seklaoui, Director General of the Regie, along with department heads and staff members.
Following the comprehensive tour, Makari expressed his impressions, stating, “I last visited the Regie over four years ago and met with Eng. Nassif, the General Manager. Today, I was amazed by the modernity of this facility. Upon entering, the vibrant greenery, well-tended plants, and the welcoming smiles of the employees and administrators left me filled with pride. Their evident happiness in their work truly resonated with me.”
He added: "I extend my heartfelt commendation for the unwavering dedication by the employees, evident in their eyes and smiles. Such commitment speaks volumes about the deep conviction each individual within this institution holds.”
Continuing, he emphasized, “The Regie stands as an enduring institution that has evolved over time, attaining the advanced stages we witness today. This accomplishment is remarkable, especially considering the challenges faced in our nation – ravaged by sectarianism, plagued by corruption and entangled in political complexities.
Reflecting on recent travels, he shared, “two weeks ago, I embarked on journeys to Istanbul and China. Witnessing the modernity of these countries and their institutions provided valuable insights into the processes of state and nation-building. Here, at the Regie, I observed a microcosm of the experiences I encountered in China.
Inquiring about their remarkable development, officials there attributed it to the responsible leadership.”
“I am not accustomed to giving praise, but I commend the efforts of the Director General, Eng. Nassif Seklaoui, and his ability to appreciate all those around him.”
In conclusion, he expressed, “I take great pride and feel hopeful that we can build a modern state, where individuals set aside personal considerations to contribute to building strong institutions. Our focus is on enhancing our institutions, understanding that a thriving institution translates into the well-being of its citizens, as well as their families and future.”
Seklaoui
Seklaoui warmly welcomed Makari, describing his visit as an “added value” to the Regie. He expressed appreciation for the “the essential role of the media” and acknowledged the sacrifices made by the media body, particularly in the current period.”
He said: “We acknowledge your distinguished performance and the responsibility you exhibit in your professional career.”
He also remarked: "We are delighted to showcase a glimpse of what public administrations can achieve when they possess the trifecta of will, vision, and care."
He recalled, stating, “the Lebanese Regie for Tobacco has bravely confronted the adverse conditions prevailing in the country. Leveraging all available capabilities, it successfully obtained the ISO 45001 certificate for Occupational Health and Safety Management. Additionally, the Regie introduced a new production line, expanding its existing thirteen lines to cater to the production of more international brands.
Moreover, the institution initiated the launch of a new tax stamp, a pioneering step aligned with its strategic efforts to combat smuggling and safeguard consumer from counterfeit and non-compliant products.”
He highlighted that the Regie proactively procured crops from southern farmers ahead of the scheduled time, particularly in the wake of attacks on the south by the Israeli enemy.
He deemed this action not only a duty but also a responsibility towards the farmers. Emphasizing its commitment to social responsibility, the Regie collaborated with municipalities and farmers, successfully completing development projects. The institution also engaged with international companies to provide educational and agricultural assistance, including organizing courses addressing topics such as women and child labor for the children of farmers.
Seklaoui underscored the Regie’s dedication to combating smuggling through its anti-smuggling body, detailing numerous raids conducted on smuggling centers.
He concluded by stating: “In all our endeavors, our aim has been to set a benchmark for Lebanese public institutions and showcase their potential achievements. There is no finish line for our dedicated team, of which we take great pride, and we remain committed to continually achieving one milestone after another.”
Seklaoui accompanied Minister Makari in a tour of the administration’s departments and factory, engaging in a detailed briefing on the workflow during the visit.