"Imperial Tobacco" group marked Thursday its 10th anniversary of operations in Macedonia with a 23 million euro investment.

The investment consists of new equipment in the plant, new production lines and modern technology for increased market competitiveness, as well as reconstruction of the facilities.

"Numerous new machines should improve our capacity and flexibility. Moreover, we launched the plant's overhaul, thus making the facilities similar to the other Imperial Tobacco capacities worldwide", said Imperial Tobacco Southern Balkans director Richard Parratt at today's promotion.

Minister for Foreign Investments Vele Samak said the Imperial Tobacco investment represents a confirmation that favorable business climate in Macedonia yields results.

"In times of crisis and European recession, this company is continually growing, investing in Macedonia and thus increasing its output and export", added Samak.

Sixty percent of "Imperial Tobacco" Skopje output is exported, while the remaining quantities are distributed at the domestic market.