PCA Announces the Launch of the Diplomatic Cigar Corps

The Premium Cigar Association (PCA) is proud to announce the creation of the Diplomatic Cigar Corps, a project designed to bring together countries’ diplomatic representations in Washington, DC to promote and preserve the premium cigar industry. The Dominican Republic and Honduras will co-chair this initiative.

The Diplomatic Cigar Corps will foster the cultural, social, and economic importance of the premium cigar industry through meetings, discussions and events that will strengthen the relationship between embassy officials from around the world, legislators, and different premium cigar stakeholders. The group will also highlight the benefits of premium cigars in the development of related industries, such as packaging, design and warehousing.

“We are excited about the launch of the Diplomatic Cigar Corps and are privileged to bring together representatives from around the world to celebrate the unique and diverse culture of premium cigars,” said Ryan Parada, Senior Manager of Government Affairs and International Policy at the Premium Cigar Association. “PCA believes that this group will help to further promote international relations and enhance communication and cooperation between countries.”

Dominican Ambassador Sonia Guzman highlighted the relevance of this initiative indicating that “It will create synergies between the commercial teams of the different countries represented, particularly in the defense of premium cigars in the US.”

Honduras Ambassador to the United States, Javier Bu Soto expressed the importance of combining efforts within the diplomatic missions to protect the cigar industries and that “It will help promote the relevance of the industry in our country and the positive impact it has in our economy, as well as advocating for our cigar culture”.

The inaugural meeting of the Diplomatic Cigar Corps took place at the Premium Cigar Association’s office in Washington, D.C. The meeting featured a discussion on the history and culture of premium cigars and how it has impacted each country. The PCA invites other embassies to join in the conversation and celebration of the premium cigar industry.

Photo left to right: Scott Pearce, Executive Director of the PCA; Leonel Mateo Hernandez from the Embassy of the DR, Ricardo Lopez of the Honduran Embassy, Joshua Habursky, Deputy Executive Director of the PCA, and Ryan Parada Sr. Manager of Government Affairs and International Policy