APEC "STAR V" Conference Emphasizes Supply Chain Security
Business logistics and security experts from across the Asia-Pacific will come together in Sydney for a major conference on supply chain security on 27-28 June, the Australian Government Minister for Trade, Warren Truss, said today.
Mr. Truss said that the Fifth Secure Trade in the APEC Region (STAR V) conference, which is being held as part of Australia's hosting of APEC in 2007, will explore cost-effective solutions to enhance the safe and secure movement of people and trade in the region.
"The costs of any disruption due to a terrorist attack to the supply chain or the movement of people in the region could be significant - both in human and economic terms," Mr Truss said.
"Designing measures to address these threats is essential. We must take into account the costs to business and our broader objective of facilitating trade in the region. The STAR V is an important vehicle for business input," he said.
The STAR conferences were instigated in 2002 at the APEC Leaders' Meeting in Mexico - principally to focus on policies and procedures to enhance security and efficiency in the region's airports and seaports. To date, conferences have been held in Thailand, Chile, Korea and Viet Nam.
Mr. Truss said APEC members account for nine out of the world's top 10 seaports by cargo volume, 24 of the top 30 airports for passenger traffic, and 22 of the top 30 airports by cargo volume.
"The conference provides an interface between Government agencies and business on issues and concerns relevant to supply chain security in the APEC region and form a key part of APEC's anti-terrorism agenda," he said.\
The theme of the STAR V conference is "Mitigating Risks; Containing Costs", with two main streams: supply chain security and identity security.
More than 40 speakers will address issues including:
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Latest tools and technology in security;
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Effectiveness and scope for public-private sector partnerships;
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Improving policy and procedures; and
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Future directions for the security of trade.
The conference will be chaired by Mike Smith, Australia's Ambassador for Counter-Terrorism. John Merkovsky, Managing Director and Global Leader, Risk Consulting of insurance giant Marsh Inc, of Marsh and McLennan Companies Inc, New York will give the keynote address at the conference dinner.