Ambassador James Brewster’s Remarks
BASC Annual Congress – November 2, 2016
What a pleasure it is for me to be here. First of all, today I would like to thank the leadership of the Business Alliance for Secure Commerce (BASC) for inviting me to participate in this event.
- Erik Alma – BASC President
- Alvaro Alpizar – President of World BASC Organization
- Robert Gross of the CBP (our key note speaker)
- Enrique Ramirez – Director DGA
- Edmundo Félix – President DNCD
- distinguished ladies and gentlemen, good morning.
The Business Alliance for Secure Commerce, or BASC, is an important private sector initiative with the purpose of strengthening and securing the logistics and supply chains of companies across borders.
Many of the companies represented here this morning have gone through the BASC certification process and will be recognized for this effort. I would like to congratulate you on your initiative and I am pleased to be a part of this. Once again, it is critical that the private sector take important and necessary steps to ensure secure supply chains, to ensure the safe and efficient transfer of goods from the shop floor to the end customer.
As many of you know the U.S .Embassy has been actively involved in promoting trade between the Dominican Republic and the United States. In addition, I congratulate BASC for their work supporting the World Customs Organization and all aspects of supply chain security,
The world is becoming progressively more interconnected every day. You have all heard or read about the preclearance process that is currently being developed for Punta Cana. This process will bring Customs and Border Protection Officers and personnel, along with their families, to the Dominican Republic. Travelers to the U.S. will clear customs before boarding the plane, thus expediting and streamlining travel. This is an example of how we can work together to both improve security and increase the flow of goods and people – a goal that we all share.
This Congress is focused on Risk Management as a Key for a Secure International Commerce. As a businessman I can relate to this concept and firmly believe that managing your enterprise risk is key to success, remaining profitable, and ensuring the highways of commerce are kept safe and free.
We believe BASC plays an integral role in advancing secure commerce between our two countries and we thank you for your leadership and vision. I look forward to continuing to work with BASC. Most of all congratulations to all the certificate awardees.
Have a great conference. Thank you.
