Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good morning and welcome to Podgorica. It is my honor to open this technical meeting on measures to eliminate illicit trade in tobacco products in the Western Balkans.
First and foremost, I would like to extend my gratitude to the Ministry of Finance of Montenegro for hosting us today, and to all our partners, the World Health Organization, and the Economics for Health team at Johns Hopkins University.
Let me also express our gratitude to the distinguished guests from various countries and organizations represented here today. Your presence underscores the importance of our collective efforts to eliminate illicit trade in tobacco products.
Illicit trade in tobacco products is a global issue that undermines public health, fuels organized crime, and deprives governments of vital revenue. It is a complex challenge that requires a coordinated and comprehensive approach. Today, we gather to share knowledge, experiences, and strategies that can help us address this issue effectively.
I would like to highlight the significance of the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products, which is the first protocol to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, the WHO FCTC as we know it. The Protocol aims to eliminate all forms of illicit trade in tobacco products through a comprehensive package of measures for Parties to implement in collaboration with each other. This international treaty provides a global solution to a global problem, addressing issues such as supply chain control, law enforcement, and international cooperation. By implementing the Protocol, we can significantly reduce the availability of illicit tobacco products, protect public health, and enhance government revenue.
Our agenda is packed with insightful panels and discussions. We will explore effective monitoring and surveillance techniques, the implications of free zones, legal solutions, and the strengthening of licensing systems. Each panel is designed to provide practical insights and foster collaboration among our countries and organizations.
I encourage all participants to engage actively in these discussions, share your expertise, and learn from each other. Together, we can develop robust measures to eliminate illicit trade in tobacco products and protect public health.
I look forward to a productive and enlightening meeting.