see also: in October 2002:   Alleged Colombian Heroin Distributor Arrested in Chicago; Among 25 Charged in Operation Smackdown Led by Customs Agents   U.S. Customs Publishes Final Regulations to Require Advance Shipping Information   Customs Agent is Presented the Presidential Council on Integrity and Efficiency Award   U.S. Customs Inspectors Seize $7.6 Million in Cocaine at Hidalgo/Pharr in Five Days   More Than 300 Registered for Customs Trade Symposium 2002   Wang Pleads Guilty to Bribery, Smuggling in Export Scheme Involving Chinese Textiles   China Joins the U.S. in Container Security Initiative ...more

contacts for this news release

Washington, DC-U.S. Customs Commissioner Robert C. Bonner today announced that he will host the agency's Trade Symposium in Washington, D.C. on November 21-22, 2002 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. The two-day event will include discussions between senior Customs managers and representatives of the trade community on topics related to international trade security initiatives and the agency's inclusion in the proposed Department of Homeland Security.

"There are no greater priorities today than the safety of the American people and international commerce. This symposium will be a unique opportunity for both the trade and Customs to work together to both secure commerce and speed it across our border," said Bonner.

The trade symposium will open with a pre-registration reception the evening of November 20, followed by a full day event on November 21. This year's symposium has been extended to include a special session on November 22 to discuss current trade legislation and proposed Customs regulations.

As in previous years, registration must be made on-line. The registration fee is $150.

For more information, please visit the U.S. Customs Web site at www.customs.gov/trade2002.