As was announced earlier this month, Belarus’ largest tobacco producer, Neman Tobacco Factory Grodno, is scheduled to become privatised and is to be transformed from a government-controlled company into a shareholding one by the end of 2007.

However, according to local media reports, any plans for privatisation are repeatedly denied by spokesmen for the state concern, Belgospisheprom, where Neman belongs, the government claiming to have no intention to attract strategic investors.