The past year was dedicated to listening, learning and testing as we embraced the urgent challenge of creating a more efficient and economically vibrant border. I believe 2012 will see trade modernization move from aspiration to execution, from pilot projects to successful new processes that recreate borders for the 21st century.
The past decade has seen extraordinary systems built to secure the global supply chain. These protocols, including shared burden and early provision of critical information, can and must be leveraged to upgrade America’s ability to successfully compete in the global economy.
Look for continued improvement in data sharing and filing, regulatory efficiencies, cargo release speed and predictability, government coordination, transaction costs, technology and collaboration. Smarter, faster, cheaper, safer and more cooperative is the formula.
This cannot be achieved without a higher level of shared understanding between the trade community and the federal government. Our centers of excellence and expertise and our account executive concepts are designed to build knowledge of industry practices and priorities to promote two-way learning, process consistency and resolution of issues. I believe 2012 not only will prove the value of these programs but also see them expand from pharmaceuticals and electronics to other industries.
In this era of just-in-time production strategies, we must promote greater speed and predictability of delivery, a significant cost saver that can increase U.S. competitiveness in the global marketplace. Currently we are pilot testing a simplified entry process in the air environment that requires fewer data elements and provides greater timeliness and awareness for the release process. I am confident the value of these innovations, combined with our other initiatives and our shared determination, will lead to a better, safer and more economically prosperous border in 2012.