From 22 to 24 February 2015 the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and its American affiliate, the United States Council for International Business (USCIB), will bring business, government, international organisations and operational experts from the world over to participate in a multi-faceted dialogue on the most effective means of facilitating the global movement of goods while balancing security and risk at the border.
According to its press release, the world economy relies on unprecedented interdependence and connectivity. Global supply chains are increasingly vital to connecting enterprises to raw materials, labour force expertise, new markets and consumers. No area of international economic policy is more integral to expediting globalised trade than customs and trade facilitation. Harmonised and efficient trade boosts competitiveness for all businesses, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises in emerging markets. "Finding Global Solutions to Cross-Border Challenges" will focus on streamlining trade and limiting cross-border inefficiency and friction.
The symposium topics will include: (i) WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement: opportunities and challenges; (ii) Balancing security and trade facilitation; and the best regional practices and global cooperation on global value chains, single window initiatives, de minimis, intellectual property rights and operational objectives