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| Joined: | Wed Mar 19th, 2008 |
| Location: | Richmond, Canada |
| Posts: | 1209 |
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The problem of counterfeiting and piracy continues to wreak havoc
on virtually economy worldwide,and is expanding rapidly through
multiple distribution channels,especially online.
The Foundation has calculated that from 2007 customs seizures show
that counterfeits and piracy worldwide amount to 5% to 7% of international
trade,or approximately $200 - 360 billion US dollars a year.
Swiss watches are no exception,as the sector is hit full-on by this
modern day plague.
The Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry (FHS) has estimated that
over 40 million fake Swiss watches are made each year this
(compared with exports of 26 million authentic Swiss watches) and that
they generate net profits of around 1 billion US dollars.
The illicit trade,whose main victims are the most prestigious Swiss brands,
is equivalent around 6% of the total Swiss watch exports in 2007.
As a retailer, I am sending a powerful message about
the importance of this issue.
Counterfeiting hurts everyone.
As counterfeiting continues to spread,an even more serious
consequence is the generalized loss of confidence in companies
that nevertheless creates jobs and added value.
The phenomenal amounts of money being generated through
counterfeiting only benefit organized crime syndicates such as Mafias,
criminal organizations,child labor where health and safety standards
are openly flouted.
I am personally making this as my personal challenge
in tackling this issue, by educating the awareness and
importance of buying genuine timepieces.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Simon