oking rates and the health costs associated withsmoking, which is said by Australian health authorities to kill15,000 people a year in the country.
The fight over cigarette packaging is being closely watchedby other tobacco firms and governments
christian louboutin red soles , with New Zealand
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Analysts also say plain packaging would hit tobacco firms inemerging markets where they are seeking to lure smokers awayfrom cheap brands to more expensive ones and, if widespread,could lead to takeovers in the industry to cut costs.
Philip Morris Asia said on Monday it had served a notice oflegal claim on the government under Australia's bilateralinvestment treaty with Hong Kong
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The notice sets a mandatory three-month period for the twosides to negotiate an outcome. If there is no agreement, PhilipMorris Asia said it would seek compensation.
"Failing that, we aim to go ahead with a compensation claimfor the loss to our business in Australia that would result fromplain packaging," said Philip Morris Asia spokeswoman, AnneEdwards.
Compensation would be decided under United Nations traderules.
"It will be up to the panel that will operate under theUnited Nations international trade rules to look at whichevaluation method they would use determine the loss to ourbusiness
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"We estimate it may be in the billi