Training Division Kicks off with Security Course

Our new specialised training division, focusing on the needs of Free Zone operators, kicked off in December with two-days of intensive training in fraud prevention and security.

Trainees came from Free Zones in Africa, the Middle East and Central Europe.

Sessions focused on security and fraud-prevention measures, C-TPAT, International Maritime Organisation (IMO) resolutions, security legislation, voluntary programmes, and international security certification requirements.

"This course has delivered vital knowledge which will help us protect our zone from security and fraud threats, and ensure we comply with international requirements."

"Keeping up-to-date with developments and training key staff is essential for our continued growth and prosperity."

The course was held alongside the WFZC Summit Meeting on International Laws on Incentives, Benefits, Competition and State Aid.

"We formed this highly-focused training division in response to Free Zones' needs for specialised courses. We will provide seminars, workshops and intensive courses in selected locations worldwide."

"As acknowledged Free Zone experts we can provide tailored training, delivered in a peer-group environment. Our focus gives trainees the added benefit of courses led by trainers who understand the needs of Free Zones."

During 2004, WFZC Training Division plans to offer custom-built courses in Free Zone marketing, investment promotion, supply chain management, health & safety, environmental management and other areas of special interest to operators and investors.

The new division can also help individual zones identify their training needs. Customised training schedules can be produced and, where possible, provided locally to reduce costs at a time of restricted budgets and reduced funding, and cut the time that zone staff are away from their posts.

The 2004 training programme will be available shortly. Contact info@freezones.org for more information.

Karen Oram, WFZC Courses & Training Director

FREE ZONE AND FREE PORT SECURITY

About the Course

Security assurance and fraud prevention are vital to your zone’s prosperity. This specially developed two-day course will give you an understanding of the security and fraud issues you must be aware of, and will guide you through strategies, and procedures that will help your zone address these issues.

Free zones can suffer severe consequences if they fail to maintain high levels of security. It is essential to know how security could be breached, and how such breaches can be prevented. National and international legislation and agreements bring the need for effective security into sharp focus, and have a big impact on how you must manage your free zone for optimum security.

Fraud is a growing problem world-wide, and strong counter-measures must be taken to prevent your zone from falling victim. Awareness of the points at which fraud can occur, and knowledge of best-practice fraud prevention measures, will help you to protect your zone.

This specially developed course, led by expert trainers, will show you how to identify your zone’s weak points, install effective systems, and preserve your zone’s integrity.

The programme includes intensive sessions and an interactive case study. There will be ample opportunities for confidential one-to-one discussion of your zone’s particular issues.

The Trainers
World Free Zone Convention acknowledges with thanks the assistance of Intertek and its associated companies in developing and delivering this unique course:

Intertek
Intertek PLC is an international leader in testing, inspection and certification services, with over 500 offices and nearly 300 laboratories worldwide

MacIvor Grant
MacIvor Grant Ltd is an international risk management consultancy that provides world-wide security project management and analysis of developments in emerging markets

PMS
Port Maritime Security International, a subsidiary of Eurotunnel PLC, provides security services, risk assessments, training and total security plans for the port, maritime, rail and logistics industries

The Programme

Day One
Security Considerations; Laws & Agreements; Risk Assessments; Protection & Response Strategies

09.30 Session One
Introduction to supply chain security
This opening session will look at the global security considerations that have, and will continue to impact on the international shipment of goods and world trade as a whole. It will scan the historic background, analysing the process of decisions that led to the current status. It will then examine the outlook for the future.

10.45 Refreshment Break

11.00 Session Two
Supply Chain Risk Assessment
In this session the group will move along the length of the supply chain. Each element will be examined and subjected to a risk assessment. Both simple and inter-modal chains will be studied to identify how the risk changes as the chain moves between land, sea or air transport systems. Weaknesses will be identified and obstacles to improvement highlighted.

12.30 Lunch

13.30 Session Three
Introduction to Laws and Agreements
This session will introduce the most relevant national and international laws and voluntary agreements that have been put in place to address the threat to supply chain integrity. It will examine the requirements placed on the participants in the chain to conform to these laws and ask how best they can be assisted in doing so.

14.45 Refreshment Break

15.00 Session Four
Protection and Response Strategies
In this session we will study the development of strategies designed to protect the security and integrity of the supply chain, detect and prevent fraud, and improve efficiency. Physical, procedural and electronic systems will be examined to produce fully integrated solutions. The commercial benefits of such a programme will be discussed.

16.30 Day One Sessions End
After the formal sessions there will be an opportunity to conduct confidential one-to-one discussions with the trainers and WFZC representatives about your zone’s specific needs.

Day Two
Case Study; Developing and Implementing Strategies for your Zone; Compliance with Laws, Codes and Voluntary Programmes

09.30 Session Five
Interactive Case Study
Using a case study, the group will be tasked with developing the security and fraud-prevention strategy for a particular free zone supply chain.

10.45 Refreshment Break

11.00 Session Six
Review and Discussion
In this session you will review the case study, and discuss strategies and practical ways of developing and implementing best-practice systems and procedures, so that you will be ready to apply what you have learnt when you return to your zone.

12.30 Lunch

13.30 Session Seven
Laws, C-TPAT and other Voluntary Programmes
This first of two intensive law training sessions will cover in depth the security laws and voluntary programmes that are relevant to free zones, including international regulations – the ISPS Code (International Ship and Port Facility Code) that must be complied with; and voluntary programmes – CSI (Container Security Initiative) and C-TPAT (Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism).

14.45 Refreshment Break

15.00 Session Eight
Voluntary Programmes (continued) and National Legislation
This session gives detailed training on additional voluntary programmes, including Operation Safe Commerce, the ISFFS Code (International Shippers and Freight Forwarders Security Code), the UK Aviation and Maritime Security Act, and the USA Maritime Transportation & Security Act.

In this last session you will gain a firm understanding of the benefits of compliance with the voluntary programmes, and the risks associated with non-compliance.

16.30 Training Ends
After the training there will be a further opportunity to consult with the trainers and WFZC representatives about your zone’s particular needs.

The Individual registration fee is £995. This fee includes full documentation, mid-session refreshments, and luncheon on both days. (It is subject to UK VAT but this can be reclaimed - we will send you the forms with your acknowledgement of registration.)

A 15% discount is available for each second and subsequent delegate from the same organisation or for each delegate from LDC status countries. (Delegates may not take two discounts.)

For a copy of the full programme please send an email to info@freezones.org

This Course will offer a unique opportunity for delegates to brush up on their Security and Fraud Prevention operations and to hear the latest on the C-TPAT programme and its impact.

Other courses will be posted on the website as and when they become available. Please send an email to info@freezones.org if you wish your name to be included on our mailing list.