Overview

On July 28, 2026, the EU‑ASEAN Business Council (EU‑ABC) issued a press release in New Delhi announcing its latest report titled “Driving ASEAN Action Against Illicit Trade: A Strategic, Philippines’ Priority Economic Deliverables (PED)‑aligned Blueprint for the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN Chairship.” The report identifies illicit trade as a growing strategic economic risk to ASEAN’s long‑term growth, public safety and supply‑chain resilience, and calls for stronger, coordinated regional action.

India’s Strategic Role

The EU‑ABC emphasizes India’s strategic geographic position, robust enforcement capabilities and its increasing focus on risk‑based trade governance as reasons why India is well‑placed to act as a key Dialogue Partner for ASEAN. The council suggests that through enhanced cooperation, intelligence sharing and pre‑export assurance mechanisms, India can help secure and streamline trade practices across the region.

Five Core Recommendations

1. Institutional Coordination – Create a consolidated platform for intelligence sharing, joint action, implementation of commitments and public‑private engagement.

2. Policy Alignment – Harmonise licensing and supply‑chain oversight, risk‑based pre‑export assurance and shipment‑control frameworks across ASEAN member states.

3. Digital Tools – Deploy digital solutions to improve customs intelligence sharing and risk management.

4. Regulatory Principles – Develop common regulatory principles that can be adapted sector‑specifically rather than imposing uniform rules.

5. Private‑Sector Collaboration – Strengthen structured collaboration with the private sector and key Dialogue Partners to enhance supply‑chain integrity.

Statements from Key Stakeholders

  • Navaneel Kar, Managing Director of Philip Morris India, said the council’s assessment “highlights the growing risks associated with illicit trade, which continues to undermine revenue integrity, market transparency and the rule of law.” He noted that PMI’s efforts include analytical research, structured market intelligence, voluntary track‑and‑trace initiatives, and awareness programmes for law‑enforcement participants, all aimed at mapping illicit‑trade patterns and supporting transparency and compliance.
  • Chris Humphrey, Executive Director of EU‑ABC, remarked that “illicit trade comes with huge costs for the region… it must be met with a firm and coordinated response.” He added that the Philippines, as the 2026 ASEAN Chair, is well‑positioned to lead the effort and that the report is intended to turn the economic risk into an opportunity for stronger regional cooperation.

About EU‑ABC

The EU‑ASEAN Business Council is an advocacy organisation formally recognised by the ASEAN Secretariat and the European Commission. It represents European businesses operating in ASEAN, engages with governments to shape policy, and runs Advocacy Groups covering sustainability, energy, healthcare, digital technology and other cross‑sector issues. Its priorities include creating platforms for dialogue, cultivating B2B and B2G networks, and facilitating partnerships to drive trade and economic progress.

Access to the Report

The full report, titled “Driving ASEAN Action Against Illicit Trade: A Strategic, PED‑aligned Blueprint for the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN Chairship,” is available online via the EU‑ABC website.