FIRST SHIPMENT OF "YEREVANCIGARS" OF DOMINICAN PRODUCTION TO BE IMPORTED INTO ARMENIA IN MAY

Noyan Tapan
Mar 15 2007

YEREVAN, MARCH 15, NOYAN TAPAN. The first shipment of cigars of unique
trade mark "Yerevancigar" made at Tabacalera la Flor de Santo Domingo
Plant will be imported into Armenia in May.

Omar Kanajian, owner of this enterprise operating in the Dominican
Republic, told NT correspondent that as there are no favorable
natural and climatic conditions for growing raw material for cigars in
Armenia, "Armenia’s name will "sound" in another way in this sector
of economy." According to him, the other 4 types of cigars made at
the plant have already been presented to the Armenian consumer at
the international cigar festival held recently in Yerevan for the
first time. "We are waiting for reaction, and in case of necessity
we’ll cooperate with Armenian companies that import and sell cigars,"
the Diasporan Armenian businessman said.

O. Kanajian noted that 300 cigars are produced by the plant daily. Raw
material is imported from Cuba and Nicaragua, as well as local
high-quality tobacco is used. About 50% of production is exported
(mainly to the US).

In O. Kanajian’s opinion, the foundation of the Armenian Cigar
Association creates an opportunity to cooperate with famous cigar
producing companies and prevent import of fake cigars into Armenia.