Panel Discussion: Left to Right, ADFO Trade Ann Marie Paul, C-TPAT Acting Director Mark Isaacson, ADFO Richard Roberts
BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Buffalo Field Office and the Port of Buffalo conducted its first International Trade Day in collaboration with the Canada Border Services Agency and the Canadian Consulate on November 4. The event, held in downtown Buffalo, was well attended by representatives from trade community stakeholders, along with businesses and elected officials from the Buffalo-Niagara area.
The day kicked off with a morning breakfast and panel discussion by Assistant Directors for the Buffalo Field Office, Ann Marie Paul and Richard Roberts, along with Acting Director of the Buffalo Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism, Mark Isaacson. Discussion topics included the positive results of the Peace Bridge pre-inspection pilot program.
Rose Hilmey- Acting Director Buffalo Field Office, Ann Marie Paul – ADFO Trade, Nathalie Niedoba - Canadian Consulate, Linda Soltis – Canadian Consulate
The discussion panel also covered harmonization of supply chain security programs for Canadian and American traders, single-window initiatives that create a one-stop shop for importers and exporters, working with CBP’s Centers of Excellence, and efforts to streamline import processes. The briefing was followed by a lively question and answer session with local industry leaders.
“Continuing to strengthen our relationships with the trade community assists with our collaboration to better secure the international supply chain,” said Rose Hilmey, acting director of the Buffalo Field Office. “We were excited to partner with the Canadian Consulate this year for our first joint trade day event.”
Following the panel discussion, representatives from U.S. and Canadian government agencies were available to speak with visitors from both nations regarding trade and cross-border travel.