Washington DC.- Two of the main products of export from the Dominican Republic once again adorned the US capital with the customary “Night of Dominican Cigars and Rum” reception held at the residence of the Dominican ambassador Sonia Guzmán.
Guzmán welcomed this activity, in which the Association of Cigar Producers of the Dominican Republic (Procigar) and the Dominican Association of Rum Producers (Adopron) entertained members of the US Congress, federal government officials, diplomats, representatives of international organizations, specialized agents and businessmen related to the sale and distribution of cigars and rum in Washington, Virginia and Maryland, and throughout the territory from the United States.
Previously, the president of Procigar, Hendrik Kelner and other representatives, made a courtesy visit to the US Congress, where they met with the president of the cigar ‘Caucus’, the congressman from Pennsylvania, Dan Meuser.
For her part, the representative of Adopron, Aguie Lendor, held meetings with different institutions of the United States corresponding to the importation, labeling and designation of the geographical indication in this country.
Representatives from various organizations from the Dominican Republic attended the activity, including the Ministries of the Presidency, Public Health, Higher Education, as well as ProDominicana and the American Chamber of Commerce.
Guzmán stressed that the quality of Dominican cigars has transcended borders and at this time the Dominican Republic is the first premium cigar exporting country in the world. Last year it achieved 1.2 billion dollars in global cigar exports, its first market being the United States.
“Cigars are also art and culture, for this reason, President Luis Abinader presented a bill to declare tobacco and cigars in particular as Dominican Cultural Heritage, a bill that has already been approved by the House. of Deputies”, reported the diplomat.
He added that in 2021 the Dominican Republic was the main exporting country of rum to the United States and that the industry achieved an important milestone with the approval by the Dominican Government of the appellation of origin, in order to provide consumers of all the world greater guarantees of quality and traceability.
On your side, Kelner stressed that “Tobacco is the product with the longest permanence in the history of our country, even before the arrival of Columbus, as it is part of the culture of the natives of our nation.”
The guests enjoyed samples of Dominican chocolates courtesy of Rizek Cacao, another emblematic product of the country’s exportable offer.
Representing Dominican gastronomy, a tasty roast suckling pig was offered by Aris and Raymond Comprés, owners of the Los Hermanos Dominican restaurant.
