Ted Chen and Tungsung Tseng. Department of Community Health, Tulane University, 1501 Canel Street, New Orlenas, LA 70112, 5045885378, tchen@tulane.edu

This study is designed to assess and analyze tobacco trade policy on smoking behavior of Asians. In the 90s the US government used Section 301 of 1974 Trade Act forced open Asian tobacco markets. By the year 2000, most Asian nations have joined the World Trade Organization resulted in the loss of national tobacco market sovereignty. In response, Asia Pacific Association for the Control of Tobacco (APACT) developed strategies to unit Asian nations for tobacco control purposes. The °µTobacco War°¨ is underway that mimicking the °µOpium War°¨. In this study, the authors analyzed prevalence data of global tobacco survey and various national tobacco surveys. It was found that smoking rates remain high regardless of national tobacco control policies. It was found that youth smoking rates on the rise, especially girls. Even though that cigarette advertising was banned in most Asian nations loopholes exist that enable tobacco advertising. Moreover, smoking rates of health workers are high and that overall consumption rate is rising. The WHO°¦s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) that make tobacco control an international binding law should be a strategy for Asian nations to endorse. Initiation of cigarette tax with revenues stipulated specifically for tobacco control should be advocated.

Learning Objectives:

• Analyze background factors contribute to change of US tobacco trade policy directed at Asians.
• Identify US tobacco market strategies directed at Asian youth
• Describe building of Asian anti-tobacco coalition against cigarette marketing
• Exam evidence data show the impact of tobacco sale on smoking behavior of Asian youth

Keywords: Tobacco Control, Tobacco Policy

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Tobacco control activities of Asia-Pacific Association for the Control of Tobacco (APACT).
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: I am the President of APACT 2004-2007.