Supply Chain Security and ICTs  

A PECC Workshop in conjunction with the Australia-Japan Research Centre,
The Australian National University

Australian Pavillion
Aichi Expo
Nagoya Eastern Hills
Nagakute Town, Toyota City and Seto City, Japan
June 23, 2005

Overview    Program Outline    Other Information    Contact Information 

  Online Registration (meeting code: aichi) 

Talking points
The first talking point is to confirm the ways in which ICTs can contribute to the responses to this situation, for example, the capacity of the technology to manage the information flows required. 

Second, some discussion of the nature and extent of information required is also important. What information should be provided in order for parties to reach a judgement about the risks involved in any particular situation? How can commercially valuable information be kept confidential while still providing sufficient access to officials for security purposes?

Third, the capacity of governments to respond to the opportunities presented by the application of ICTs requires consideration. 

The main issue in this context is a lack of capacity in the countries which most need it. The bigger challenge is not technical but whether developing countries can apply the available technology into viable and responsive systems. Their track record on this is not good. It requires cooperation among domestic agencies, scenario building and high level support from finance ministries and leaders to understand that success depends on resources and political will. 

A fourth talking point is the importance of mobilising private sector participation in providing the ICT capacity and services required, and if necessary, how to finance that participation.

The private sector is already actively adopting B2B ICT (communications, SAP, increasing use of IC tags etc) in managing their domestic and international supply chains. These developments might, with appropriate policies and international coordination, both be bolstered (through new approaches to e-government) and enhance border protection capabilities through better (and more accessible) information.

The fifth talking point is the role of international cooperation to solve the problems identified. Conversation is important about the cross country coordination and cooperation required to establish domestic systems which are capable of communicating with each other across borders, and the integration of these objectives into the e-government programs in participating economies at national and local levels. This discussion will also provide guidance to the APEC process.

Offers to make presentations
The current draft of the program follows. Expressions of interest to join the program are welcome but must be received by May 20.

1.  The challenges of supply chain security and the contributions of ICTs
Panel including Dr. Paul Barnes (Queensland University of Technology) and a speaker from Japan to introduce the scope of the issues.

2.  Current issues in responding to risks in the supply chain

-   Dr Christopher Pokarier (Waseda) and Simon Ridings (Queensland University of Technology)  Maritime trade security issues

-   Dr. Joy Abrenica (University of the Philippines), "Application of ICT to Improve Cargo Security: Issues and Challenges in ASEAN Economies" 

1. Private sector initiatives and responses

- Prof. Christopher Findlay (ANU), Lessons from the case studies in the PECC report ‘Study on the Mutually Supportive Advancement of APEC’S Trade Facilitation and Secure Trade Goals post September 11’ (available from www.pecc.org)

-  Mr. David Williams from the Australian Logistics Council (see www.ozlogstics.org ) 

2. The role of international cooperation

Discussion to be led by Mr. David Parsons and including Ambassador Benjamin Defensor, Chair of the APEC Counter-Terrorism Task Force to examine the elements of cooperation – resources, standards and sharing experience and progress in APEC on supply chain security.

Presentation slides of Ambassador Benjamin Defensor can be download here:
 - Part 1
 - Part 2
 - Part 3

-  The room rates at The Hilton Hotel: 

• Standard Room (One King Bed or One Queen Bed or Two Twin Beds) for Single Occupancy: JPY 17,500/room/night (about US$168)
  
  
• Standard Room (One King Bed or One Queen Bed or Two Twin Beds) for Double Occupancy: JPY 23,500/room/night (about US$225)

Mr. Jim Short
AUSPECC Secretariat
Email:  jim.short@anu.edu.au 

Ms. Betty Ip
PECC Secretariat
Email:  betty.ip@pecc.org