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Former Secretary Meets with Hong Kong Business Leaders
First U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge Addresses Increased U.S. Maritime Security and its Impact on Trade and Shipping for Asia
May 31-June 2, 2007 - The Honorable Tom Ridge met last month with business leaders to discuss both the challenges and opportunities of global security and trade. During his visit, the former Governor of Pennsylvania also addressed members of the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong (AmCham) and the Hong Kong Shipowners Association, providing insight on increased U.S. border security and its resulting impact on worldwide trade and shipping.
“We know that, globally, our means to protect and prosper at the border relies on a co-mingling of ideas, innovation, collaboration and ongoing friendship with our friends and allies,” said Secretary Ridge at the AmCham Luncheon. “So it’s important in these challenging times that we understand that everything we do must be done in partnership.”
Security measures implemented in recent years to protect U.S. borders have had ramifications across the world, particularly in the shipping sector. International terrorism continues to require heightened security measures for ocean-going ships as well as major international ports that facilitate trade with the United States.
“With tens of millions of containers moving through Hong Kong every year, it is imperative that every possible security measure is implemented to prevent attacks on vessels and container terminals,” said Secretary Ridge at the 50th Anniversary celebration lunch for the Hong Kong Shipowners Association.
As one of the world's busiest ports, Hong Kong has been at the forefront of implementing new security initiatives, with private container terminal operators working with U.S. Customs and other agencies to provide sophisticated new measures in the supply chain to protect against terrorist attacks on land and at sea.
“In Hong Kong, the private sector has invested in implementing the necessary security procedures to keep our oceans and ports safe from attack, and we appreciate the commitment these companies continue to make in supporting international security efforts,” added Ridge.
The Hong Kong Shipowners played a leading role in the quick implementation of the International Maritime Organisation’s ISPS Code, which has helped improve security worldwide. Hong Kong container terminal operators are tasked with handling among the highest throughput of containers anywhere in the world, and they were also among the first to work with U.S. Customs and Homeland Security to introduce the Container Security Initiative and Smart and Secure Trade lanes.
The former secretary advised policy makers to seek balanced trade policies and emphasized the value of collaboration at every level of implementation. “Times and events in the 21st century will provide wonderful opportunities for the United States and Asian governments,” he said, “good opportunities to confront great challenges together, overcome them together and, quite simply, make this world better together.”
During his week-long visit, Secretary Ridge spoke to CNN and other member of the media, who sought his views on the current status of international terrorism, business preparedness and foreign policy.
