Thiruvananthapuram, May 21 (UNI) The value of counterfeit and pirated goods has crossed USD 2.81 trillion in year 2022 impacting commerce and industry, governments, economies and the

society at large, according to Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).

Counterfeiting and smuggling activities are highly pervasive across countries and sectors, representing a multi-billion-dollar industry globally that continues to grow and impact

economies.

To fight against this social evil, the FICCI took an initiative in the form of 'Committee against Smuggling, Counterfeiting and Piracy Destroying the Economy' (CASCADE). FICCI-CASCADE over the years has been successful in stirring an active debate on the topic across various states in India.

FICCI-CASCADE, as a part of its objective to increase awareness about the growing menace of smuggling, counterfeiting and pirated goods, has been organizing seminars across various states

in India.

In Kerala, the FICCI-CASCADE has planned to to organize a seminar on 'Proactive Approaches to Combat Counterfeiting and Smuggling' here on May 21. Kerala Minister for Industries P. Rajeeve will inaugurate the seminar.

P C Jha, Advisor, FICCI CASCADE and former Chairman, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) and Deep Chand, Advisor, FICCI CASCADE and former Special Commissioner

of Police, New Delhi, will also attend the event.

Eminent personalities comprising of high ranking officials from the Department of Customs, Police, Trade and Industry will also address the participants, Renjith R, Assistant Director, FICCI-Kerala, said.

These awareness programs are well attended by policy makers, industry across sectors, consumer rights activists, youth, police, custom, border security officials. FICCI-CASCADE also engages with the Ministry of Consumer Affairs at the National and State level in their vision to protect the rights and interests of consumers.

UNI DS BM