The Global Tobacco and Nicotine Forum (GTNF) took place in Seoul, South Korea, from September 1-1, 2023.
‘Change the Conversation. Change the Outcome’ was the theme of the conference, which brought together hundreds of stakeholders from across the industry, including businesses, research consulting groups, scientists, public policy and regulatory experts and educators, among others, to discuss industry trends and challenges and share best practice thinking.
Among those participating in the forum were Julian Cheung, Anti-Illicit Trade Operations Director of the Asia-Pacific region, and Ana Krasojevic, Sustainability Strategy and Reporting Director, both from JTI.
During her keynote address, Julian Cheung said: “Criminal groups involved in the illegal tobacco trade siphon much-needed tax revenue from state budgets. They don’t comply with laws and regulations and, therefore, taxpayers, governments, and legitimate businesses are all paying a hefty price.”
She said: “Billions of dollars in revenue are lost to this criminal activity. And, in fact, in 2019, the World Bank estimated the cost to government was a staggering $40 to 50 billion annually.”
According to Cheung: “There is an eminent need for greater international cooperation between government agencies, industry, and law enforcement in tackling and disrupting criminal networks since criminal gangs know no borders.”
In closing her keynote, Cheung emphatically stated: “Let’s shift the narrative surrounding illegal trade and act together. Through innovative strategies, cooperation, and a focus on disrupting the financial foundations of these criminal networks, we can curtail the illegal tobacco trade and safeguard our communities and economies.”
On the ‘Pathways to Sustainability’ panel, Ana Krasojevic talked about how JTI has taken sustainability to the next evolutionary stage by reprioritising the areas of focus and developing a new governance model.
And more importantly, she said a sustainability mindset is the company’s strategic core across all employees and with key partners in our supply chain. In closing, Krasojevic emphasised the need for collective action and that “sustainability is everyone’s business”.
