CBP Emphasizes Industry Partnership in Discussions of Trade Intelligence

CBP hopes a close relationship with trade through a trade intelligence industry liaison will allow the agency to stay current on business trends and improve processing at the Centers for Excellence and Expertise (CEEs), said John Leonard, acting executive director for trade policy and programs at CBP. Leonard spoke as part of several recent forums on Trade Intelligence, said a CBP press release.

Leonard said the bidirectional aspect of gaining Trade Intelligence by having the CEEs work with a Trade Intelligence industry liaison will be of great help to the agency. “Using this model, CBP can stay up-to-date on latest industry practices,” said Leonard, “Only by partnering with industry can the Center be totally engaged in the latest trends and changes.” The trade intelligence initiative connects individuals representing the industry sector with CBP staff to identify issues of mutual interest and to provide CBP with targeting, enforcement, and/or intelligence information, said CBP.