R.G. Edmonson, Associate Editor | Jan 25, 2012 1:56PM EST
The U.S. will develop a global supply chain strategy that allows goods to move efficiently and securely, and encourages development of resiliency in the supply chain to mitigate the effects of a terrorist attack, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said Wednesday.
The national supply chain security has been in the works for two years and supplants a strategy set in 2007. If carried out, it could be a significant basis for the government’s future supply chain security efforts.
“We must continue to strengthen global supply chains to ensure that they operate effectively in time of crisis; recover quickly from disruptions; and facilitate international trade and travel,” Napolitano said at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. “As a part of this effort, we look forward to working closely with our international partners in the public and private sector to build a more resilient global supply chain.”
Napolitano said that the federal government will encourage security efforts on the part of state and local governments. DHS and the State Department will spend the next six months meeting with foreign officials and leaders in the private sector to develop specific steps to take in reaching the goals.
The National Strategy for Global Supply Chain Security may be found online.
Contact R.G. Edmonson at bedmonson@joc.com. Follow him on Twitter @BobinWash.
