We will begin with questions concerning the USA-Cuba embargo for two reasons:
- It’s current.
- We have a great number of loyal American visitors at COC

COC- When do you expect that the embargo will be lifted?

Mr. Linares: First of all, I must clarify that the embargo is not made by us. It is made by the USA against Cuba, so it is the US government that decides when the embargo will be lifted.

COC- But what is your personal opinion?

Mr. Linares: I think that it will be lifted in the coming years, but I can not confirm this. Nobody can confirm it.

COC- As we know, there is currently a big problem between Habanos S.A. and many American companies concerning trademarks. If the embargo is lifted, will you be able to export Cuban Partagas or Cuban Hoyo to the USA?

Mr. Linares: We are now trying to resolve this problem, and I hope that we will be able to launch all of the Cuban brands in the US market at the end of the embargo. If not, we will export only some special brands. I want to clarify that the American smoker doesn’t want to smoke the brand Partagas or the brand Punch – he wants to smoke Cuban cigars. So, he will be able to enjoy the best Puros such as Trinidad, Vegas Robaina, Cuaba or many others..

COC- It’s said that many American tobacco company are preparing to re-invest in Cuba and that many of them are aiming to manage some Cuban tobacco factories in the future. What are your comments?

Mr. Linares: Actually, American companies are not allowed to deal with Cuba. When the embargo is lifted, we will see..