China National Tobacco Corporation

The China National Tobacco Corporation (CNTC) stands as one of the world's largest employers, with a workforce numbering in the hundreds of thousands. Operating as a state-owned monopoly, it dominates every aspect of the tobacco industry in China—from cultivation and manufacturing to distribution and retail. This immense operation supplies the world's largest smoking population, generating significant government revenue. Its employment reach spans farmers, factory workers, sales personnel, and administrative staff, deeply embedded in both rural and urban economies. CNTC's scale reflects its unique role as a major economic driver and public health influencer in China.