to export cigarettes for the first time, the industry ministry said on 5 April 2006.

Vinataba would produce 50 million packs of Pall Mall and Viceroy cigarettes a year for export and about 150 million packs of the same brands for domestic smokers. "The cooperation marks a milestone in Vietnam's tobacco industry and it is the first time Vietnam can export high quality cigarettes and becomes one of the key exporters of the produce in Asia," the industry ministry said in a report. BAT already produces and markets with Vinataba its State Express 555 brand in Vietnam. (pi)