Vietnam orders Philip Morris and Japan Tobacco to stop advertising
HANOI - Vietnamese authorities have ordered American cigarette
maker Philip Morris and Japan Tobacco International to stop all forms of
advertising, an official said Thursday.
The two companies have been asked to immediately recall all advertising
materials, an inspector with the Ministry of Culture and Information said.
The two were found to have violated government regulations banning tobacco
advertising, he said.
Philip Morris Vietnam launched a promotional campaign last month in which it
planned to distribute more than 80,000 lighters and thousands of boxes of
matches bearing the Marlboro logo, he said.
Japan Tobacco International printed its Mild Seven logo on large umbrellas used
to shield cigarette vending stalls in many cities, he said.
The inspector, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Philip Morris has
pledged to remove its logo from its promotional materials.
Vietnam's government has a monopoly on cigarette manufacturing. Three
foreign tobacco companies — Philip Morris, Japan Tobacco International and
British American Tobacco PLC — operate in Vietnam in joint ventures with
state-owned companies, along with about 20 local cigarette makers, all
operated by the government.
The Associated Press - September 19, 2002.
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