Brussels, 03/02/2003 (Agence Europe) - An international round table was held in Brussels on 3/4 February on helping developing countries combat smoking, a few weeks ahead of the relaunch of international negotiations on a Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) under the auspices of the World Health Organisation (WHO). Organised by the European Commission, together with the WHO and the World Bank, the round table aims to support the efforts made in developing countries to cut tobacco use. Development Commissioner Poul Nielson, Health Commissioner David Byrne, WHO Director General Gro Harlem Brundtland, Brazilian diplomat Luis Felipe de Seixas Correa, who chairs the WHO International Negotiation Body on the FCTC, will be taking part in the event, along with representatives of developing countries and NGOs.
Not wanting to impose tobacco control on any country, the EU is planning to aid developing countries in combating this health menace. The Commission is therefore open to discuss with developing countries how existing funds and instruments can be used to address the problem. The round table will also discuss the economics of addressing tobacco control in developing countries, based on studies undertaken by the World Bank that show that most countries would make net economic gains if their demand for tobacco products fell.