Global transportation groups to strengthen ties

   International organizations covering aviation, the maritime industry and customs have banded together to enhance collaboration on security and other procedures.
   Leaders from the International Civil Aviation Organization, the International Maritime Organization and the World Customs Organization met in London July 8 to talk about common goals. Discussion included risk-management issues and international mandates that apply to all three groups.
   “ICAO fully supports any measures to promote more effective cooperation on international supply chain security objectives,” stressed ICAO’s Benjamin. “The aviation community has long recognized that the constantly evolving threats posed by global terrorism must be met with highly coordinated transportation security and border control measures. Coordination and cooperation, with partners such as the IMO and WCO, helps us to better anticipate and mitigate these threats while minimizing adverse impacts on international passenger and trade flows.”
   The group leaders would like to harmonize their international frameworks, streamlining processes wherever possible. Koji Sekimizu of the IMO pointed out that smooth, efficient supply chain is in everyone’s best interest, but requires the participation of all involved parties. Support is especially needed in developing countries and high-risk areas.
   At the WCO, Kunio Mikuriya, secretary general, reiterated the need for effective partnerships, calling them a critical step in confronting supply-chain challenges.
   “Today’s globalized trade and travel requires new thinking, coordinated approaches and connectivity between all stakeholders to efficiently secure and facilitate legitimate trade, support economic competitiveness and provide protection to societies,” he said. – Jon Ross