Tobacco giants target 30 million smokers
A government study has revealed that nearly 50 per cent - or 30 million citizens over the age of 15 - smoked cigarettes daily.
Although authorities have not disclosed the exact of number of cigarette factories across the country, Myanmar is known to manufacture many cheap brands, especially in border areas, for export markets. Production of fake brands is also thought to be rife.
Restrictions on tobacco advertising and bans on smoking in public places are practically unheard of in the country,
making it a prime target for national brands whose sales are being squeezed elsewhere in the world.
Foreign-owned companies are now working with local producers to produce famous brands such as Lucky Strike, State Express, 555, Marlboro, Rothmans Pall Mall, Camel, Benson and Hedges and Mild Seven.
The most prominent local brands are Duya Gold, Red Ruby, Blue Diamond and Golden Eagle which cost between 300 and 700 kyat (Bt9-Bt22) per pack.
The authorities have allowed the import of alcohol, beer, wine and cigarettes with the permission of Ministry of Hotel and Tourism to boost tourism. However, such imported goods are sold only in restricted areas in hotels and duty-free shops.
The production of cheroots – local “raw tobacco” cigars – has declined since 1995 from over 3 billion to 2 billion annually. Over 3 billion cigarettes are produced every year in Myanmar, making the total cheroot and cigarette production rate over 5 billion per year.
