C-TPAT KICKS OFF IN DETROIT

C-TPAT KICKS OFF IN DETROIT    U.S. Customs is expected to launch in Detroit today the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism, a new government-business initiative meant to build relationships that will expedite processing at the U.S. border, while strengthening supply chain and border security.
   U.S. Treasury Secretary Paul O’Neill, Customs Commissioner Robert Bonner, Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge, and John Smith, chairman of the General Motors Corp., are scheduled to attend the launch.
   Initiated last November in response to growing security concerns, C-TPAT will build upon established Customs programs such as the Business Anti-Smuggling Coalition, the Americas Counter Smuggling Initiatives, and other programs meant to increase the security of the supply chain.