Technology

Strengthening International Collaboration is the Cornerstone to Combat Illicit Trade

Published

3 months ago

August 1, 2024

NEW DELHI, Aug. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — In a speech at the recently held Asia Security: Anti-counterfeiting, Trademark, and Brand Protection conference, Rodney Van Dooren, Head – Illicit Trade Prevention, Philip Morris International (PMI) highlighted how international collaboration is the cornerstone to combat illicit trade along with stringent regulation and enforcement, to curb this menace. He further pointed out how prohibition has not been a viable option, while regulation and enforcement would be the solution to curb illicit trade. The two-day conference held on 23rd and 24th of July in Delhi was focused on the theme, ‘The Power of Collaboration and Unity in the Fight Against Illicit Trade and Counterfeiting’. It witnessed participation from brand owners, regulators, law enforcement agencies, government, policymakers, and security solution providers discussing the impact of illicit trade on government, brands, and the society.

Speaking on the need for co-operation between source, transit, and destination country Governments, Rodney Van Doreen, Head of Illicit Trade Prevention, Philip Morris International (PMI) said, “Approximately 12% of the global cigarettes consumed are illicit which impacts Governments across the globe to the tune of $40.5 billion in tax losses. According to the Euromonitor report, one in four cigarettes consumed in India is illicit which translates to close to $2 billion in tax losses. There are various smuggling routes around the world for both counterfeit and contraband products making this challenge not a domestic but a transnational issue that requires transnational solution.”

Explaining the web of illicit cigarette trade, he elaborated on how in every corner of ASEAN and beyond, the intricate web of illicit trade connects actors in source countries. Be it in the tobacco fields where the leaves were harvested, to the heart of a bustling city where the production of illegitimate and counterfeit cigarettes was thriving, to transit countries, and destination countries. The trade of illicit cigarettes has become a profitable venture for the unscrupulous. “Is cooperation between all these actors essential to prevent illicit trade? The answer lay in the tendrils that connected them all. Like a spider’s web, the illicit trade relied on the delicate balance of each strand. Sever one, and the entire structure would crumble,” he added.

On PMI’s strategy to counter illicit trade, he highlighted that the focus is on research & intelligence, protecting supply chain, partnerships, cooperation with law enforcement and raising awareness.

Sharing his recommendations on addressing the larger transnational issue of illicit trade, Rodney added, “Authorities need to better leverage the existing free trade agreements and provisions within the World Trade Organization (WTO) to raise awareness with transit and source countries, including India, to take responsibility of what’s happening in their country. The next recommendation is to promote harmonization of existing gold standard regulations around ASEAN, supported by implementing rules, including the law enforcement agency that has jurisdiction and the related penalties.

The adoption of the regulation requires manufacturers and exporters to ensure that the goods being exported comply with the destination market regulation. Additionally in transshipment, adopt regulation that allows for inspection of suspicious shipments and exercise jurisdiction by Customs or any appropriate law enforcement agency on IP-infringing violations. Lastly, strengthen domestic enforcement effectiveness by enhanced cooperation with the legal industry and inter-law enforcement agency cooperation.”

The conference attracted international audience of leading specialists engaging in discussions about the latest trends, developments, threats, and solutions pertaining to illicit trade and counterfeiting across various industries. It provided a unique opportunity to delve into winning strategies, successful case studies, and cutting-edge technologies, with a particular emphasis on the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.

About Philip Morris International (PMI)

Philip Morris International (PMI) is a leading international tobacco company, actively delivering a smoke-free future and evolving its portfolio for the long term to include products outside tobacco and nicotine sector.

For more information, please visit www.pmi.com and www.pmiscience.com

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2473615/Rodney_PHILIP_MORRIS.jpg

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Technology

Gentoo Media – Mandatory notification of trade

Published

43 minutes ago

November 14, 2024

ST JULIANS, Malta, Nov. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — MJ Foundation Fundacja Rodzinna, a company related to Mateusz Juroszek, Board Member and primary insider of Gentoo Media Inc. (Gentoo) has today acquired 115,604 shares in Gentoo at a price of SEK 24,996 per share. After this transaction, close associates of Mateusz Juroszek hold 24,027,766 shares in Gentoo.

This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

For further information, contact:
Tore Formo, Group CFO, tore.formo@g2m.com, +47 91668678

About Gentoo Media

Gentoo Media is a market-leading affiliate connecting operators and players in the online gambling and sports betting industry. Gentoo Media offers an array of iGaming affiliate solutions, such as paid marketing expertise and quality traffic through our prominent industry sites including AskGamblers, Time2Play, CasinoTopsOnline, WSN and Casinomeister. In 2024, Gentoo Media (formerly GiG Media) became Gentoo Media Inc. following a legal split separating the Media and Platform and Sportsbook business in Gaming Innovation Group (GiG) into two independently listed companies. Gentoo Media Inc. is dual listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange (ticker “G2MNO”) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ticker “G2M”). www.gentoomedia.com

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/gentoo-media-inc/r/gentoo-media—mandatory-notification-of-trade,c4066199

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Technology

Xinhua Silk Road: World IoT expo 2024 opens in E. China’s Wuxi to showcase future of smart connectivity

Published

43 minutes ago

November 14, 2024

BEIJING, Nov. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The World Internet of Things (IoT) Exposition 2024 kicked off on Monday in Wuxi City of east China’s Jiangsu Province, attracting industry leaders, representatives of enterprises and experts from across the globe to discuss industry trends and demonstrate innovative applications.

At the expo’s opening ceremony, Wuxi unveiled a national pilot project in intelligent connected vehicles, which aims to create a cohesive mode for car owners, vehicles and cities connection, contributing Wuxi’s expertise to smart vehicle initiatives.

Additionally, a new smart sensing chip engineering center was launched, representing an investment of over 1 billion yuan and focusing on high-density large-scale substrates and other advanced chip technologies to strengthen the city’s integrated circuit development.

The event also saw the release of several major IoT research achievements, including the 2024 IoT innovation development Taihu index and the 2024 white paper on advanced sensing technology and applications.

The three-day event features exhibitions, panel discussions, and thematic sessions that showcase the latest development in IoT innovations and applications. This year’s expo is poised to drive Wuxi’s high-quality growth in IoT while promoting global tech collaboration and knowledge sharing in the IoT field.

Wuxi has become a navigator of the IoT industry in China. The latest statistics show that in 2023, the scale of the IoT industrial cluster in Wuxi surpassed 450 billion yuan, taking the lead in Jiangsu Province.

Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/343117.html

SOURCE Xinhua Silk Road

Technology

Agoda Highlights Five Urban Hikes for Adventurous Travelers

Published

43 minutes ago

November 14, 2024

SINGAPORE, Nov. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda introduces five urban hikes across Asia, offering travelers a chance to experience the perfect blend of city life and nature. These hikes, ranging from family-friendly to more challenging trails, provide an unmatched perspective on some of Asia’s most dynamic cities.

Whether it’s Elephant Hill in Taipei, with its stunning views of the Taipei 101, or Hong Kong’s famous Dragon Back, active travelers are in for a treat when embarking on these city hike adventures.

Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President, Supply at Agoda said: “Asia is special to have so many incredible hike routes right in the heart of these popular cities. The five highlighted hikes are just a sample of the many breathtaking city trails the continent has to offer. Adventurous travelers will want to try them all and thankfully Agoda helps make travel affordable with great value deals on over 4.5 million properties globally.”

These are the five city hikes, ranked from easiest to most challenging:

Kuala Lumpur’s Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve offers a unique experience of trekking through a tropical rainforest right in the city center. The trail is relatively easy, with well-marked paths and informative signboards about the local flora and fauna, making it a great choice for families and nature enthusiasts.

Elephant Hill in Taipei offers a short but rewarding climb. The trail is well-maintained and provides stunning views of Taipei’s skyline, including the famous Taipei 101. It’s an ideal spot for those looking to enjoy a quick escape into nature without straying far from the city.

In Singapore, the Southern Ridges trail offers a moderate hike through a series of interconnected parks and gardens. Spanning 10 kilometers, this trail provides a lush green corridor amidst the urban environment, with highlights including the Henderson Waves bridge and panoramic views of the city.

Namsan in Seoul presents a slightly more challenging hike, leading to the N Seoul Tower. The trail is popular among locals and tourists alike, offering a mix of natural beauty and cultural landmarks, with several routes to choose from depending on the desired difficulty level.

Finally, Hong Kong’s Dragon’s Back is a favorite for its breathtaking views of the coastline and the South China Sea. This moderately challenging hike is known for its undulating ridges and scenic vistas, providing a rewarding experience for those willing to tackle its ups and downs.

In each of these city hike destinations, Agoda offers great value accommodation. In addition to holiday properties, Agoda’s 130,000 flight routes and 300,000 activities ensure the platform is the one-stop travel solution to help booking an entire trip. The latest Agoda deals can be found in the Agoda app or on agoda.com/deals.

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SOURCE Agoda

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CloudOne Digital Appoints Packet Cofounder and Former Equinix Executive Zach Smith to Board of Directors to Drive Growth in Bare Metal and Hybrid-Cloud Solutions