SUVA, July 16 (Xinhua) -- Fiji is taking a multi-sectoral approach to deal with the increasing illicit trade of tobacco and emerging tobacco products such as shisha tobacco, e-cigarettes and chewing tobacco.

Speaking in Nadi at the Fiji multi-sectoral workshop on strengthening tobacco control on Tuesday, Fiji's Minister for Health and Medical Services Ifereimi Waqainabete said that it is critical for the government to take this approach and ensure these products are imported within the requirements of the law, according to a government statement.

"Fiji has experienced an increase in illicit trade from sales of single cigarette rolls," Waqainabete said. "We've seen emerging tobacco products such as shisha tobacco and other products such as e-cigarettes landed in our shores, chewing tobacco has entered Fiji through our ports of entry and courier agencies, and we have seen an increased number of counterfeit and other tobacco which does not meet the requirements of the Fijian law."

The Fijian government through the Ministry of Health and Medical Services this year ratified the "Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products" which will enable the ministry in promoting cross-sectoral information sharing and enforcement against illicit tobacco trade.

The workshop aims to strengthen tobacco control by addressing illicit trade of tobacco products at boarder control and within; increase visibility around the areas of enforcement and prosecutions and promote awareness on the effects of tobacco use, particularly as a barrier to global and national development.