The Business Alliance for Secure Commerce, represented by the World BASC Organization (WBO) and its BASC Dominicana Chapter, hosted the Seventh World BASC Congress and twentieth Anniversary of the creation of BASC, with the theme of “Trade Facilitation and Security – Pathway for Global Prosperity”. The event was held on September 14th and 15th at the Hotel Embajador, located in the city of Santo Domingo with the participation of more than 300 entrepreneurs and both national and international government organizations.
The opening ceremony was chaired by Erik Alma, president of BASC Dominicana and Álvaro Alpízar, president of the Board of Directors of World BASC Organization-WBO. Special guests and speakers included: Ian Saunders, Deputy Assistant Commissioner, Office of International Affairs from the U.S Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in Washington D.C., Allen Gina, founder of CT-Strategies and former CBP Assistant Commissioner, Karolyn Salcedo, Technical Attaché from the World Customs Organization (WCO), and Mukela Luanga, World Trade Organization (WTO). Robert Perez, Executive Assistant Commissioner, CBP's Operations Support addressed the Congress via a specially recorded video message.
Important International trade and security related topics were discussed, such as the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) and its impact on business; cooperation efforts between customs and the private sector; and facilitation and security initiatives from both the private and public sectors, among other topics.
Dr. Faustin Luanga – WTO; Carolina Vives – BASC Santa Marta; Marcela García – BASC México; Karolyn Salcedo – WCO, Andrea Olier – WBO; and Allen Gina – CT Strategies.
During the 7th World BASC Congress 2017, a special panel of distinguished individuals shared their story on their role in the creation and development of BASC. The panel, "20 Years of BASC: Creating a security culture within the international trade community", was moderated by Allen Gina, former CBP Assistant Commissioner, who was joined by George Wiese, Former CBP Commissioner from 1993-1997, via a video link, Fermín Cuza, International President of WBO and Mayra Hernandez, former Executive President of WBO and leader of the BASC program at its inception in Latin America.
See more:
George Weise – Former CBP Commissioner, Greeting and History of BASC Initiative -Video
BASC from Robert Perez- CBP, Welcome Remarks and Greetings - Video
BASC Memories - 20 years - Video
After the panel, several entrepreneurs and government officials were recognized for their key roles in the creation and development of BASC.
The second day of the conference included a visit to DP World Caucedo, a BASC certified member and world-class marine terminal and free trade zone, where participants were able to enjoy a tour of the facilities hosted by the Port’s General Administration team.
Special thanks to our sponsors.
The 7th World BASC Congress- 20th Anniversary was sponsored by Haina International Terminals (HIT) and DP World as Premium sponsors, our highest sponsor level. Mejia Arcala Group participated as platinum sponsors. We also thank ALFRIDOMSA, AGEPORT and Rizek Cacao for their sponsorship at the Gold level, and Parque Industrial PIISA, Consorcio Cítricos Dominicanos, Marítima Dominicana (MARDOM), Polyplas, Gerdau, Metaldom and Dominican Watchman at the Silver level.
Finally, we also thank Pinturas Popular, SEADOM, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC Dominicana), Hispaniola Freight Service (HFS), Agencias Navieras B&R, Marine Express, SEGURIASA, Caribetrans, Guardianes De La Región and Molinos Modernos for their support at the Plus Category level.
For more detailed information, photos and news about the 7th, World BASC Congress- 20th anniversary, please visit https://congresobasc.org/ and http://www.wbasco.org/
