Japan's METI To Host Export Control Seminar
By Azlan Othman

Bandar Seri Begawan - The proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) and their means of delivery, related materials, equipment and technologies remain a serious concern for global and regional security.

Procurement activities by states and non-state actors of concern have been taking place in increasingly sophisticated ways including circumvention of transaction routes or use of front companies.

As a result, there exist significant risks that all countries and regions may be used as a manufacturing or transhipment points of WMD and related items. Therefore, it is important for all countries and regions to continue their efforts in preventing proliferation activities.

Export control is one of the key means by which to counter theproliferation of WMD. In view of this, Japan's Ministry of Economy Trade and Industry (METI) will be hosting an export control seminar in the country to promote better understanding on the importance of non-proliferation and export control.

The seminar will be held on the March 29, at the Royal Customs and Excise Department office, where three speakers from METI will participate.

Every country and region in Asia should place high priority on establishing an effective export control system and ensure its effective implementation, which was called for in the "Bangkok Declaration on Partnership for the Future".

It was adopted at the APEC Economic Leaders' meeting in Bangkok in October 2003, in the Japan-Asean Plan of Action of the Japan-Asean Commemorative Summit in 2003 and also in the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540.

Efforts to prevent WMD proliferation is not intended to impede legitimate trade or business activities, but rather to provide a basis, not only for ensuring the security of the people, but also for advancing the prosperity of the economies in Asian region.

Japanese government therefore is of the view that authorities concerned in the Asian countries should be equipped with comprehensive export control systems to control dual use related to WMD and conventional arms as well as WMD and conventional arms themselves. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

Click Here To Have Your Say On This Story

Brudirect.com News