(Journal of Commerce Online – Bill Mongelluzzo) Bersin tells COAC meeting goal is to blend security, trade facilitation

Members of the trade community say the Customs and Border Protection still has a long way to go in its efforts to blend trade facilitation and supply chain security to ensure a seamless flow of legitimate goods.

“If feeling good is an objective, we’re making progress,” said Jeffrey Whalen, assistant general counsel for customs and international trade at shoe manufacturer Nike.

CBP Commissioner Alan Bersin sought to address that skepticism at a meeting in Long Beach, Calif., Thursday of the Advisory Committee on Commercial Operations, telling the group, “Trade facilitation and security are one and the same.” Bersin said the agency is engaging the trade community through initiatives and pilot programs such as account management, the Center of Excellence and Expertise and the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism with that central idea in mind. Read more here.