Azerbaijan, Baku/ Trend , corr. I. Khalilova/ Rufat Guliyev, the Chairman of the Board of the European Tobacco Baku, has said companies have reduced the volume of production of cigarettes by 20 % in the first quarter of this year.
The reduction in the production of cigarettes was linked with the increase in the volume of sales of imported cigarettes in the country. "Taking into consideration brands of imported cigarettes, most smokers prefer to smoke them, however, this year, we shall do everything possible to exceed the production of last year," said Mr. Guliyev.
Meanwhile, he considers that due to plans of the Milli Majlis ( Azerbaijan's Parliament) on passing a bill to prohibit smoking in public places, the Enterprise may expect a reduction in the volume of cigarettes by 30 % more.
"International organizations, which are presently taking an active areas in Azerbaijani do not want to be involved to the tobacco business," said Mr. Guliyev.
Notably, European Tobacco Baku was privatized by Sorex Management Incorporated in 1999. The right of ownership over 92.5 percent of shares of the Tobacco Factory passed to the investor in 2000.