<div class="phx-topic abstract-wrapper">Too often, costly investments in infrastructure and technology are viewed as the only ways to accelerate the movement of trade. If not supported by appropriate policies and procedures, the return on these investments will not be maximized. Many efficiencies can be gained, however, by building partnership programs that do not require such investments. In particular, Trusted Trader or Authorized Economic Operator programs, have become increasingly critical on a global scale.</div>

Too often, costly investments in infrastructure and technology are viewed as the only ways to accelerate the movement of trade. If not supported by appropriate policies and procedures, the return on these investments will not be maximized. Many efficiencies can be gained, however, by building partnership programs that do not require such investments. In particular, Trusted Trader or Authorized Economic Operator programs, have become increasingly critical on a global scale.

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<div class="phx-topic">Too often, costly investments in infrastructure and technology are viewed as the only ways to accelerate the movement of trade. If not supported by appropriate policies and procedures, the return on these investments will not be maximized. Many efficiencies can be gained, however, by building partnership programs that do not require such investments. In particular, Trusted Trader or Authorized Economic Operator programs, have become increasingly critical on a global scale.An AEO program typically requires a company to share additional cargo data and allow for financial audits and supply chain security validations by a Customs service in exchange for expedited cargo processing.Customs services can multiply the reach of their programs by cooperating with foreign partners to exchange data and leverage each other’s existing audits and validations. Given the constrained fiscal environments most Customs services currently operate under, Mutual Recognition Agreements between compatible AEO programs serve as important force-multipliers, while industry participation is becoming increasingly critical to compete in a globalizing economy where value chains span multiple countries.Tens of thousands of companies across the U.S., Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia and Latin America are all Trusted Traders, with double that number of applicants seeking membership. In developing regions, where globally reaching MRAs are not yet feasible, it is effective to begin with incremental steps toward bilateral, multilateral, and then regional-level agreements.The cost of creating an AEO program is relatively low considering the significant security and economic benefits provided to both industry and Customs authorities. The primary investment rather is a collaborative will by governments and industry to educate each other and co-create effective policies and programs. Technology and infrastructure innovations will continue to expand, as will their costs. However, the value of strategic partnerships should never be underestimated. Allen Gina, Founding Partner, CT Strategies</div>

Too often, costly investments in infrastructure and technology are viewed as the only ways to accelerate the movement of trade. If not supported by appropriate policies and procedures, the return on these investments will not be maximized. Many efficiencies can be gained, however, by building partnership programs that do not require such investments. In particular, Trusted Trader or Authorized Economic Operator programs, have become increasingly critical on a global scale. An AEO program typically requires a company to share additional cargo data and allow for financial audits and supply chain security validations by a Customs service in exchange for expedited cargo processing. Customs services can multiply the reach of their programs by cooperating with foreign partners to exchange data and leverage each other’s existing audits and validations. Given the constrained fiscal environments most Customs services currently operate under, Mutual Recognition Agreements between compatible AEO programs serve as important force-multipliers, while industry participation is becoming increasingly critical to compete in a globalizing economy where value chains span multiple countries. Tens of thousands of companies across the U.S., Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia and Latin America are all Trusted Traders, with double that number of applicants seeking membership. In developing regions, where globally reaching MRAs are not yet feasible, it is effective to begin with incremental steps toward bilateral, multilateral, and then regional-level agreements. The cost of creating an AEO program is relatively low considering the significant security and economic benefits provided to both industry and Customs authorities. The primary investment rather is a collaborative will by governments and industry to educate each other and co-create effective policies and programs. Technology and infrastructure innovations will continue to expand, as will their costs. However, the value of strategic partnerships should never be underestimated. Allen Gina, Founding Partner, CT Strategies

<topic id="e9a72b72-d6c7-422f-a76f-690f5d6c515c"><title>Allen Gina, Founding Partner, CT Strategies</title><summary>Too often, costly investments in infrastructure and technology are viewed as the only ways to accelerate the movement of trade. If not supported by appropriate policies and procedures, the return on these investments will not be maximized. Many efficiencies can be gained, however, by building partnership programs that do not require such investments. In particular, Trusted Trader or Authorized Economic Operator programs, have become increasingly critical on a global scale.</summary><body>Too often, costly investments in infrastructure and technology are viewed as the only ways to accelerate the movement of trade. If not supported by appropriate policies and procedures, the return on these investments will not be maximized. Many efficiencies can be gained, however, by building partnership programs that do not require such investments. In particular, Trusted Trader or Authorized Economic Operator programs, have become increasingly critical on a global scale.An AEO program typically requires a company to share additional cargo data and allow for financial audits and supply chain security validations by a Customs service in exchange for expedited cargo processing.Customs services can multiply the reach of their programs by cooperating with foreign partners to exchange data and leverage each other’s existing audits and validations. Given the constrained fiscal environments most Customs services currently operate under, Mutual Recognition Agreements between compatible AEO programs serve as important force-multipliers, while industry participation is becoming increasingly critical to compete in a globalizing economy where value chains span multiple countries.Tens of thousands of companies across the U.S., Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia and Latin America are all Trusted Traders, with double that number of applicants seeking membership. In developing regions, where globally reaching MRAs are not yet feasible, it is effective to begin with incremental steps toward bilateral, multilateral, and then regional-level agreements.The cost of creating an AEO program is relatively low considering the significant security and economic benefits provided to both industry and Customs authorities. The primary investment rather is a collaborative will by governments and industry to educate each other and co-create effective policies and programs. Technology and infrastructure innovations will continue to expand, as will their costs. However, the value of strategic partnerships should never be underestimated. Allen Gina, Founding Partner, CT Strategies</body></topic>