The symposium’s focus was on enhancing CBP’s strategy to secure and facilitate the movement of legitimate trade and traffic with greater efficiency and predictability; and to strengthen security against global terrorism. The agenda’s intent was to continue the dialogue that was started during the Homeland Security Cargo summit held December 16-17, 2004 which focused on the government-trade partnership in developing a national security strategy and the development of incident contingency plans.

Photo Credit: Gerald L. Nino

The 2004 Trade Symposium provided an opportunity for participants to network with other trade business leaders.

"When it comes to homeland security, surprise is no longer an option,” said Admiral James M. Loy. Deputy Secretary, Department of Homeland Security. Loy believes being prepared requires a multi-faceted approach. Foremost is being acutely aware of the enemy and of ourselves, assessing vulnerabilities, and sharing information with all stakeholders. True preparedness entails developing an all-hazards prevention capability but which also provides for adequate response and recovery from any type of incident that would disrupt the trade process.

A recurring theme of the symposium was the call for the trade, drawing on its expertise, to provide input into security plans and programs. Reiterated at the symposium was the Summit’s discussion of “fast lane” measures and other procedures that would serve as incentives for adopting security measures. One proposal was to develop a statement of benefits for companies that make a commitment to comply with cargo security guidelines and who qualify for C-TPAT membership.

“Securing global trade and the movement of goods—the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism or C-TPAT program—is, and must continue to be, a partnership between government and the private sector. What began as a program designed for trade coming to our shores has been recognized by its success and is now being considered around the world as an effective tool in the war against terror,” Commissioner Bonner stated.

Photo Credit: Gerald L. Nino

Commissioner Robert C. Bonner gave the opening address at the 2004 Trade Symposium – the most successful symposium to date.

Major presentations at the symposium included the opening address by Commissioner Bonner and the luncheon remarks of Admiral James M. Loy, Deputy Secretary for the Department of Homeland Security.

In addition there were five panels comprised of Department of Homeland Security, Environmental Protection Administration, U.S. Coast Guard, CBP, and private industry members. Each panel had at least one “scene setter” to provide an overview of the panel’s issue, and a moderator.

Cargo Security Strategy
The U.S. Cargo Security Strategy panel determined that the overriding goal for cargo security was a system of supply chain security that facilitates trade but mitigates the threat of terrorism. To gain greater acceptance, security programs should be compatible with trade business models. Current weaknesses in the system were a lack of awareness of container tampering and insufficient control over container stuffing.

The panel concluded that participation in standardized security measures should be rewarded with incentives, especially those that expedite processing such as “green lanes” and fewer exams.

Global Supply Chain Security
A second panel on global supply chain security viewed as critical increased visibility up the supply chain, including the true point of origin, the intermediate ports, and all parties associated with a shipment. Lack of container information in a consolidated data source was also a principle concern.

Future efforts to secure the global supply chain included consideration of incentive-driven telemetric tracking of containers, TSA taking over the responsibility for tracking, reduction of air cargo vulnerabilities, and the international expansion of advance data requirements.

Internationalizing the security strategy
Internationalizing the security strategy was the topic of the third panel and focused on the role of the World Customs Organization (WCO) in establishing an international security framework. The WCO will pass its framework in June 2005 and is looking to the trade to garner support for the framework

A key issue was whether the WCO should serve as a certifying organization for mandatory standards. Michael Schmitz, Assistant Commissioner for Office of Regulations and Rulings and the nominee for the position of Director of Compliance and Facilitation at the WCO will be accepting and coordinating comments on this subject. The Panel concluded that the security standards framework should be international in scope and not centered on U.S.-driven efforts.

Contingency plans for incidence response
Panel four covered contingency plans for incidence response. Communication between government agencies, international organizations, state and local entities, and with the trade was seen as the lynchpin for effective response to any incident. While the volume and value of maritime trade made it the principal focus, contingency plans for continuation of trade for all transportation modes was discussed. After an incident, the focus must not be on closure but on rapid restoration of trade and should include how to divert cargo to a second port. The three r’s—response, recovery, and restoration were the basis for any contingency plans.

Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) and the International Trade Data System (ITDS)
The last panel focused on the ACE/ITDS. ACE should be completed in 2010 and fully deployed in 2011. The current Release 4 adds e-manifest for trucks to seven locations and then the rest of the land border ports. Release 5 will enhance post release processing and new account management functionality.

This fifth Trade Symposium drew the highest level of interest of any in the past because of the criticality and urgency of the topics discussed. Partnership and communication are the foundation for building a secure global trade environment. “The terrorist attacks on 9/11 changed the world forever; and, they changed how America does business. It became abundantly clear that the safety and security of global trade has an impact that transcends borders and is vital to the well being of every one of us,” said Commissioner Bonner in summary. LK