Technology

Strengthening International Collaboration is the Cornerstone to Combat Illicit Trade

Published

2 years 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

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/strengthening-international-collaboration-is-the-cornerstone-to-combat-illicit-trade-302212237.html

Technology

2026 Vietnam-China Cross-Border Tourism AI Empowerment Cooperation Exchange Program Concludes in Nanning

Published

5 hours ago

April 19, 2026

NANNING, China, April 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — This is a report from china-asean-media.com.

The 14-day “2026 Vietnam-China Cross-Border Tourism AI Empowerment Cooperation and Exchange Program” successfully concluded on April 19 in Nanning, Guangxi. Co-hosted by the Department of Culture and Tourism of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (China) and the Departments of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Quang Ninh, Lang Son, Cao Bang, and Tuyen Quang provinces (Vietnam), the event brought together nearly 30 tourism officials and industry representatives from the four Vietnamese localities.

With the theme “Vietnam-China AI + Cross-Border Tourism Exchange and Cooperation,” the program combined expert lectures, case studies on AI applications, and field visits. Participants gained insights into ASEAN-China tourism policies, AI-driven cross-border cooperation models, and smart tourism technologies. Hands-on training enabled them to use AI tools for decision-making, product development, and destination branding.

The delegation conducted field studies in Nanning, Liuzhou, Guilin, and Hechi. They visited the China-ASEAN AI Innovation and Cooperation Center, the “Easy Visit Guangxi” platform, the No. Wang Cultural Industrial Park, and the BAO JUN base, experiencing Guangxi’s smart, industrial, landscape, and wellness tourism offerings.

A meaningful part of the program was retracing President Ho Chi Minh’s revolutionary footsteps in Guangxi, including visits to the former site of Yucai School in Nanning, the former residence of Ho Chi Minh in Liuzhou, and the “September 2” School site in Guilin. On April 17, all participants attended the launch ceremony of the 2026 Vietnam-China Border People’s Carnival in Nanning, witnessing the deep friendship and mutual support between the border communities of both nations.

At the closing ceremony on April 18, a cross-border tourism product design competition was held. The team from Quang Ninh won the Best Design Award, while teams from Lang Son, Cao Bang, and Tuyen Quang received Excellence Awards. Mr. Lưu Bá Mạc, Vice Director of Lang Son’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, praised the program for fostering practical cooperation and opening new directions for the “comrades and brothers” friendship between local authorities.

The program not only provided Vietnamese tourism professionals with valuable knowledge in AI and smart tourism but also laid a solid foundation for future cooperation in building shared tourism information platforms, developing smart products, and enhancing data connectivity. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing high-quality development of the cultural and tourism industry through AI, contributing to the strategic Vietnam-China community with a shared future.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/2026-vietnam-china-cross-border-tourism-ai-empowerment-cooperation-exchange-program-concludes-in-nanning-302746589.html

SOURCE china-asean-media.com

Technology

TCL Solar: Powering Pakistan with advanced solar module innovation

Published

6 hours ago

April 19, 2026

LAHORE, Pakistan, April 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — TCL Solar made a strong impact at this year’s Solar Pakistan exhibition (17th-19th April, at Expo Centre Lahore) by unveiling a range of advanced solar solutions designed to meet the growing demand for low-carbon energy in South Asia and the Middle East.

The new T5 Pro solar module represents a major leap in N-type TOPCon technology, delivering breakthroughs in both conversion efficiency and power output. It is designed to be the new flagship product in the industry, offering enhanced performance and long-term value.

Key Highlights of the T5 Pro:

A unique product design: The T5 Pro specificity remains in its design architecture, with an overlapping tri-cut cell construction. This innovative structure significantly boosts the module’s performance, ensuring superior output and higher energy yield.

Product Reliability: The T5 Pro’s low-current technology ensures precise temperature control, with hotspot temperatures up to 45°C lower than conventional modules. This reduces the risk of fire hazards and improves overall module longevity. The module has also passed rigorous reliability tests, making it ideal for diverse applications, including commercial rooftops and ground-mounted power stations.

Customer Value: By enhancing energy generation and reducing project lifecycle costs, the T5 Pro provides a high return on investment for both residential and commercial solar applications.

TCL Solar’s Lightweight Module: Optimized for C&I Rooftops

TCL Solar’s Lightweight Module addresses the specific challenges faced by commercial and industrial (C&I) rooftops, particularly in areas with limited load-bearing capacity.

Improved Power Output: Weighing only 5.4 kg/m², these modules generate 3-6% more power compared to traditional TOPCon modules, offering a highly efficient solution for weight-sensitive environments.

Superior Heat Dissipation: The ultra-thin glass design enhances heat dissipation, lowers operating temperatures and reduces overall weight and making the modules ideal for aging rooftops or structures with limited structural integrity.

Building on the momentum at Solar Pakistan 2026, TCL SOLAR and TAIMOOR TRADING CO. have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), marking a key step in advancing solar energy solutions. This partnership aims to expand clean power access and drive sustainable development across Pakistan and beyond, with a shared focus on innovation and a low-carbon future.

Focusing on innovation, efficiency, and reduced environmental impact, TCL Solar continues to lead the way in solar technology in Pakistan and across the region, providing solutions that meet today’s energy needs while enabling measurable emissions reductions across the energy value chain.

As Pakistan embraces renewable energy, TCL Solar’s cutting-edge technologies will help drive the growth of low-carbon energy in South Asia and the Middle East.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/tcl-solar-powering-pakistan-with-advanced-solar-module-innovation-302746579.html

SOURCE TCL Solar

Technology

TCL Solar: Powering Pakistan with advanced solar module innovation

Published

6 hours ago

April 19, 2026

Key Highlights of the T5 Pro:

Customer Value: By enhancing energy generation and reducing project lifecycle costs, the T5 Pro provides a high return on investment for both residential and commercial solar applications.

TCL Solar’s Lightweight Module: Optimized for C&I Rooftops

TCL Solar’s Lightweight Module addresses the specific challenges faced by commercial and industrial (C&I) rooftops, particularly in areas with limited load-bearing capacity.

Improved Power Output: Weighing only 5.4 kg/m², these modules generate 3-6% more power compared to traditional TOPCon modules, offering a highly efficient solution for weight-sensitive environments.

As Pakistan embraces renewable energy, TCL Solar’s cutting-edge technologies will help drive the growth of low-carbon energy in South Asia and the Middle East.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/tcl-solar-powering-pakistan-with-advanced-solar-module-innovation-302746579.html

SOURCE TCL Solar