APEC Supply Chain Security Seminar Strengthens Regional Security
The preparedness for the region to protect sea, land and air transportation supply chains from serious threats has been strengthened during a two day symposium that concluded in Singapore today. Attended by more than 350 policymakers, government officials and private sector representatives, the APEC Symposium on Total Supply Chain Security covered a range of topical issues relating to threats and vulnerabilities in the global supply chain.
Delegates exchanged views and information on best practices for implementation in their economies and companies.
The Executive Director of the APEC Secretariat, Ambassador Tran Trong Toan, welcomed Singapore's initiative to hold the Symposium on an issue that is of core importance to the Asia-Pacific.
"As most of the world's largest seaports and busiest airports are located in APEC economies, ensuring the stability, security and efficiency of supply chains has become an issue of vital significance for APEC," Ambassador Toan said at the Symposium.
"APEC Member Economies account for 40% of world population, 56% of world GDP and 48% of world trade, so our region depends heavily on the efficiency of supply chains to fuel our long lasting and high rate of economic growth.
"With the increased trade flows, protecting the sea, land and air lanes that transport goods and materials has become crucial for stability in the global economy.
"Even the slightest interruption to a supply chain can produce a multiplier effect that damages the business activities of a range of suppliers, transportation companies, production houses and retailers of the goods that are delayed or lost. As a consequence economies face potential downturn, business growth is undermined and jobs are lost."
In his keynote speech, Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister, Professor S Jayakumar, identified some of the threats and areas of vulnerability in regional supply chains
"As terrorism itself has globalised, we have witnessed a spate of horrific and sophisticated attacks in many parts of the world including Southeast Asia," Professor Jayakumar said.
"Notwithstanding recent successes in counter-terrorism, the threat from international terrorism is real and will remain with us for the long-haul.
"Whether we are public or private sector, we all have a stake in keeping this supply chain intact."
The symposium included more than 20 speakers from government agencies including representatives from the United States, United Kingdom, European Union, New Zealand and China. Senior industry figures from companies including Sony, IBM and Federal Express also presented the business perspective on regional supply chain security issues and the future improvements that they felt were required.
The text for the following speeches is available:
Professor S Jayakumar, Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister and Co-ordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Law
Keynote Speech
Ambassador Tran Trong Toan, Executive Director of the APEC Secretariat
Opening Remarks
Closing Remarks