On 5 May 2004, Martin Wolf of the Financial Times wrote, "Successful globalisation has reduced both poverty and inequality. Opening up trade is far from a sufficient condition for rapid growth. But in the right conditions, it has proved an enormous help. It is impossible to think of a consistently successful economy that has not put international economic integration at the core of its development strategy."
SITPRO's work facilitating international trade through the improvement of the efficiency of the border management process is at the heart of international economic integration. Unfortunately, this vision is slightly tarnished at present because national, regional and international developments are tending to ignore the route to a more equal, prosperous and thereby safer world. The World Trade Organisation talks have not progressed. Security initiatives are solely focussed on control, rather than improved control through facilitation. Progress on a more integrated European Single Market through Customs reform is on hold because of the changes in the European Commission later this year. Nationally the Single Window project has been revitalised through ministerial letters, but for a project at the heart of modern and joined up government, competitiveness and improved security it still lacks the real support that is needed.
Return to SITPRO News: Issue 50, April/May 2004
