U.S. and Hong Kong (2002)

Secure Trade in APEC Region Initiative Launched

"STAR" Initiative aims to enhance trade, security

Following is a White House fact sheet on the Secure Trade in the APEC Region ("STAR") Initiative launched October 26 by President Bush and other Pacific Rim leaders:

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White House
Office of the Press Secretary
Los Cabos, Mexico
October 26, 2002

FACT SHEET

Secure Trade in the APEC Region (STAR)

[ ...Intervening Text... ]

Container Security Initiative and other U.S. Efforts: The United States has been working bilaterally and multilaterally to keep the arteries of commerce clear while strengthening security surrounding the world's transportation infrastructure. We have comprehensive smart border initiatives underway with Mexico and Canada that use modern technology to enhance security and expedite legitimate cross-border travel and commerce. The U.S. Customs Service is, through its Container Security Initiative (CSI), partnering with key ports to introduce pre-screening and risk analysis of cargo containers based on advance information. Fifty percent of containerized cargo shipments to the United States originate in 10 key megaports, 6 of which are in APEC. Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, Canada, and most recently China have agreed to participate in CSI, and we are seeking to expand CSI to a number of other Asia-Pacific countries.

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