Four out of five countries in the region lack cybersecurity strategies and critical infrastructure protection plans, resulting in annual losses of nearly US$1.4 trillion, according to a report by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). 

According to July de la Cruz, president of the local chapter of the Business Alliance for Secure Commerce (BASC Dominicana), these results are regrettable, as she sees the need to validate business policies that measure the effectiveness of controls and protection measures, which are increasingly essential for greater competitiveness.

In his opening remarks at the 13th BASC National Congress, which focused on "Innovation and Security: The Basis for International Trade Growth," De la Cruz noted that innovation can help companies become more competitive, create new solutions, and integrate efforts to achieve the goals of the National Development Strategy, focusing on building trust and managing the risks inherent to stakeholders in the value chain. 

De la Cruz praised the integrated participation of the logistics sector in the event as a positive example of the synergy required by these new times to address market challenges in the region and the world.

He said that as part of the discussions, the creation of a multimodal transportation and logistics services network with national coverage was considered. This will include the development of electronic seals with GPS tracking, updated measures and controls at ports and airports, as well as the added value generated by the coordinated intervention of state institutions, such as the Specialized Corps for Airport and Civil Aviation Security (CESAC), to strengthen public-private relations.

The thirteenth edition of the BASC National Congress featured presentations on the importance of innovation, cybersecurity, multimodal cargo management, and the context of supply chain security as a key to global trade growth, facilitating trade, simplifying regulations, optimizing and transforming production processes, increasing exports, and deepening public-private partnerships.

Alexander Schad, president of the American Chamber of Commerce's Trade Facilitation Committee (AMCHAMDR), participated in the event. He moderated the first panel discussion on "Trends and Challenges in Multimodal Cargo Management." 

The Congress was aimed at business leaders from the export and import sectors, logistics and maritime operators, shipping companies, airlines, customs agents, airports, cargo consolidators, and other stakeholders in the national and international supply chain.