CT Strategies is excited to be returning to the World Customs Organization’s 5th Global AEO Conference. Set for May 25 to 27th , the conference will be hosted virtually in collaboration with Dubai Customs and the Federal Customs Authority. The conference will explore the topic “AEO 2.0: Advancing Towards New Horizons for Sustainable and Secure Trade.”
On May 26th, industry and government leaders will discuss the importance of Customs to Customs data exchange in supporting Mutual Recognition of AEO programs. CT Strategies Vice President of Global Services, Mr. Shawn Beddows, is set to moderate the discussion examining challenges and best practices when exchanging data for the implementation of Mutual Recognition Arrangements/Agreements (MRA) on Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programs.
As a WCO Accredited Technical and Operational Advisor in Authorized Economic Operator programs, Mr. Beddows will facilitate the conversation focused on one of the foundational elements to MRA, data exchange, as outlined in the WCO Strategy Guide for AEO Mutual Recognition, “It is imperative that the Customs Administrations’ IT experts begin discussions as early as possible in order to be prepared to facilitate the data exchange effectively once the MRA becomes operational.” With his esteemed background as former acting director of the CTPAT program and serving as the CBP Deputy Attache in Brussels, Belgium, Mr. Beddows will provide keen insight along with a panel of industry, government, and academic experts.
The conference will place the 2021 WCO theme front and center, “Customs bolstering Recovery, Renewal and Resilience for a sustainable supply chain.” As port operations across the globe begin to recover from the turmoil of COVID-19, customs governances are prioritizing capacity building initiatives in trade to promote secure and efficient economies. This distinguished conference will bring together leaders in trade to support the recovery process for global supply chains.
Join the free live conference from May 25th to 27th to get an expert look into how AEO programs are transforming to fit today’s globalized economy. We hope to see you there!
Shawn Beddows is CT Strategies’ Vice President of Global Services. Mr. Beddows has over 21 years of experience serving U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the legacy Customs Service. Most recently, while in government, Mr. Beddows served as CBP’s Deputy Attaché in Brussels, Belgium. Mr. Beddows is also an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Technical and Operational Adviser who is recognized by the World Customs Organization (WCO) with expertise in air cargo and passenger operations, maritime cargo operations, as well as aviation security initiatives.
