INDIA
Philip Morris International (PMI) has said it will fund proposals under its $100 million global initiative to support third-party projects dedicated to the fight against illegal trade.
The PMI Impact initiative was set up to support projects dedicated to fighting illegal trade and related crimes, such as corruption, organized crime, and money laundering. Private, public or non-governmental organizations have been invited to submit applications to avail funding under the second round of PMI Impact.
The company has pledged US$100 million across three funding rounds of PMI Impact. Thirty-two projects were selected from 200 proposals in the first funding round of the initiative.
R. Venkatesh, director for corporate affairs, Philip Morris India, said “PMI Impact encourages creative solutions and innovative actions that help advance global efforts against all forms of illegal trade. In India, PMI has contributed significantly over the past decade, partnering with law enforcement and investigative agencies in the fight against trade of illegal cigarettes.”
According to an estimate by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, illicit cigarettes capture a fifth of the Indian cigarette market. “We are looking forward to receiving proposals that will help private and public organizations improve their knowledge and efficiency in the fight against this growing concern worldwide,” said Alain Juillet, a member of the PMI Impact expert council.