Spokesperson – Mr. Manoj Kochar, President ASPA
1) How does illicit trade and counterfeiting directly contradict the nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and what specific aspects of illicit trade hinder progress towards these goals?
Illicit trade and counterfeiting indicate a massive threat to a nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by dropping down the economic growth, jeopardizing public health, and increasing organized crime. These activities hinder progress in achieving SDGs related to reduction of the poverty, good health, and economic prosperity. Additionally, they contribute to environmental degradation and disrupt social stability, contradicting the core principles of sustainability and hampering the overall progress towards a more equitable and prosperous society.
Illicit trade hinders progress towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through economic losses, compromising public health, and fostering criminal activities. Counterfeiting and smuggling undermine economic growth, exacerbate health risks with substandard goods, and contribute to illegal networks, impeding the achievement of SDGs related to economic prosperity, health, and the overall well-being of societies.
2) How does the trade in counterfeit goods impact public health, and what specific examples are provided, such as the consequences of substandard products from various areas, e.g: medicine, apparel etc?
The trade in counterfeit goods deeply impacts public health, especially in sectors like medicine and apparel. Substandard and fake antimalarial drugs, for instance, even cause a lot of numbers deaths annually in parts of the world. Additionally, counterfeit medicines contribute to untreated pneumonia, resulting in child deaths as well. Counterfeit apparel may contain hazardous materials, posing risks to consumers. Illicit trade compromises product integrity, leading to severe health issues and emphasizing the urgent need for massive measures to combat this global challenge.
3) How does illicit trade contribute to terrorist financing, and what implications does this have for national and global security?
Illicit trade plays a key role in financing terrorism by providing a lucrative revenue stream for terrorist organizations. Criminal networks involved in activities like smuggling, human trafficking, and counterfeiting generate funds that can be synced to support terrorist activities, posing a substantial threat to global security.
Illicit trade indicates massive implications for national and global security by fostering organized crime, destabilizing economies, and compromising law enforcement efforts. Connects between illicit trade and terrorism heighten security threats, underscoring the urgent need for international cooperation and comprehensive strategies to address this multifaceted challenge.
4) In what ways does a segmented approach to tackling illicit trade hinder a more effective governmental response?
A segmented approach to tackling illicit trade hampers the impactful government responses by limiting collaboration, hindering information sharing, and overlooking interconnected patterns. A cohesive strategy is crucial for combating this pervasive issue comprehensively.
5) What role does the private sector play in addressing illicit trade, and how can it contribute to solutions through technologies and supply chain security?
The private sector is very particular and keen to combat the illicit trade, as it is not only suffered from its consequences but also contributes to solutions. By developing and executing updated technologies, the private sector can enhance supply chain security, hampering illicit activities.
Collaboration between businesses and authorities is important to ensuring the effectiveness of these measures and safeguarding industries from the harmful impact of counterfeiting and other illicit trade practices.
6) How does illicit trade in counterfeit and pirated goods impact consumers, economic growth, and organized crime?
Illicit trade in counterfeit and pirated goods critically impacts to the consumers, hampers economic growth, and fuels organized crime. It destroys the trust in markets, compromises product safety, and leads to economic losses. Managing this issue needs impactful techniques to safeguard consumers, foster economic prosperity, and combat organized criminal networks.
7) In what ways has the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to the challenges posed by illicit trade in counterfeit goods, particularly in terms of reshaping value chains, shifting consumer demand, and creating new opportunities for illicit trade networks?
The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the threats in combating illicit trade in counterfeit goods. Disrupted value chains have increased weakness, enabling illicit networks to exploit supply chain weaknesses. Shifting consumer demand, driven by pandemic-related uncertainties, opens the window for counterfeiters to supply the demand for the items. Additionally, the surge in online shopping during lockdowns provides a new platform for illicit trade. These dynamics collectively reshape the landscape, making it necessary for governments and businesses to adapt strategies to address the evolving challenges posed by counterfeit trade in the wake of the global health crisis.
