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The Asia Pacific Association
for the Control of Tobacco (APACT) was formed in 1989
by 10 Asian-Pacific countries. Its main goal is to
unite Asian anti-tobacco initiatives in order to fight
against transnational tobacco companies ultimately
creating a completely smoke-free environment. APACT
was commissioned to assist Asian countries in implementing
aggressive tobacco control programs which include
bans on all cigarette smoking, restriction on smoking
in public places and comprehensive educational and
intervention programs.
APACT’s first task was to
rally international support to help Thailand stand
up against U.S. tobacco trade pressures. In collaboration
with the American Public Health Association, APACT
petitioned for the U.S. government to rescind its
use of Section 301 of the 1974 Trade Act. This trade
act permitted the U.S. to force Thailand to open their
markets to U.S. tobacco exports. The case of Thailand’s
tobacco trade dispute was taken to the GATT for arbitration.
GATT concluded that Thailand must open their market
to the U.S., however Thailand had the right to ban
cigarette advertising and raise import tariff against
foreign tobacco. Seen as a success, APACT has continued
to provide the necessary support and resources to
aid the fight against tobacco.
Since its founding, the Asia
Pacific Association for the Control of Tobacco has
held seven successful general meetings. The triennial
Asia Pacific Conference on Tobacco or Health has served
as a vital tool in bringing together health advocates
to share and build upon various tobacco control experiences.
Through their international collaboration, APACT has
developed into a leading Asian anti-smoking organization
with technical support from Western health leaders.
In addition, APACT has become an active member of
the World Conference on Tobacco or Health. During
these fifteen years APACT has played a significant
role in the restraint of international tobacco market
development in Asia.
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APACT Secretariat All
copyright reserved by Asia Pacific Association for the Control
of Tobacco.
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