Publication: The Security and Trade Facilitation Nexus: International Trends and Practices
Date
2015-05
ISSN
Published
2015-05
Author(s)
Abstract
Improving levels of trade facilitation
is one of the remaining challenges to enhancing connectivity
and trade growth in South Asia, but border and internal
security concerns are often perceived as a barrier to
implementing key reforms. Security is a legitimate issue for
South Asian nations. But there needs to be a balance to
achieve the optimum level of security without restricting
trade and damaging a nation’s ‘economic’ security. Even
border management agencies employing a ‘100 percent’
intervention policy does not have the resources to examine
every package. The challenge is to focus security resources
to target transactions of highest risk, using sophisticated
analysis of transaction data and maintaining visibility and
integrity of supply chains. After the 9/11 attacks, several
governments had to address the challenge of securing their
national borders and protecting their international supply
chains against terrorist threats. There is concern that poor
border security risks the trafficking of weapons or drugs,
entry of terrorists or their means of support, or other
threats. Following the attacks, many jurisdictions
emphasized more intervention and an increased regulatory
burden on international trade. However, added emphasis on
security need not become a barrier to international trade or
render trade uncompetitive. Based on several case studies,
this note synthesizes some principles that can be adopted to
govern the balance between managing security risks and
facilitating trade.
Citation
“Kerswell, Clay; Kunaka, Charles. 2015. The Security and Trade Facilitation Nexus : International Trends and Practices. SARConnect,issue no. 3;. © World Bank, Washington, DCB. http://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/22031 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”