The Convention Secretariat supported two Iranian officials to undertake a study visit in Singapore at the Cigarette Testing Laboratory of the Health Sciences Authority on 6 to 9 July 2015.

The visit helped clarified the importance of implementing Articles 9 and 10 of the WHO FCTC and inspired the construction of a similar national facility in the Islamic Republic of Iran. "Having these facilities gives health ministries the power for better controlling the tobacco industry and to protect public health against their tactics and disguises", said Mr Behzad Valizadeh, Senior Expert of the National Tobacco Control Headquarter and WHO FCTC Focal Point of the Ministry Of Health and Medical Education, one of the visiting experts.

Iranian officials highly appreciated the efforts of the Ministry of Health of Singapore, especially Ms Low Min Yong and Ms Nuan Ping for their tremendous efforts in hosting the members of the study visit and providing the necessary information and support to them.