In order to strengthen mutual and voluntary cooperation between the Florida Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association (FCBF) and the World BASC Organization (WBO), both organizations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), in support of their common objectives to promote relations between the private and public sectors in the United States, generate business growth and create opportunities for its members, while seeking safe and secure commerce throughout the international supply chain.
The signing of the memorandum took place during the "BASC World Congress" from the 19th and 20th of September in Cartagena, Colombia, where more than 540 representatives from the private and public sectors from 16 countries heard from distinguished speakers and panelists on various issues facing regulators, customs agencies and international traders.
The Congress featured a very strong contingent of representatives of FCBF, including Lourdes Leon, ex-President and Honorary Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of Atlantic Overseas Express; Lenny Feldman, partner in the firm of Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg and Vice President of the COAC (US Customs Advisory Group - CBP); Eric Olafson, director of PortMiami's Global Business and Commerce Development; Jimmy Nares, Section Chief of Aviation Marketing for the Miami Aviation Department (Miami International Airport); and Nellys Sanchez, CEO of NS Consulting and Training.
Representing the World BASC Organization, were Emilio Aguiar, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Fermín Cuza, International President of WBO, signed the agreement. They were joined by other representatives of the BASC Organization, Suzanne Lemaitre, Director Administration, Communications and Corporate Relations; Liliana Olague, Executive Director, BASC USA, and Wilson Cristancho, East Region Manager, BASC USA.
Before signing the Agreement, Mrs. Lourdes Leon stated: "Our commitment at FCBFF has always been to comply with regulations and facilitate processes for our members. We believe BASC and FCBF have common values, goals and philosophy. Consistent with these ideals, we especially strive to give our members the tools to permit them to become more competitive. We also work hard to build relations with public agencies to promote trade facilitation while supporting the mission of customs and enforcement agencies to protect the international supply chain.”
Mr. Cuza stated that this agreement positions the BASC Organization to more closely work and cooperate with the leading international trade organization in the state of Florida and one of the most respected organizations in the United States. Both organizations are uniquely positioned to affect the future of trade not just in Florida but in the Americas as well. Mr. Cuza added: “BASC is committed to supporting FCBF by bringing the good work of its many committees, workshops, events and services to the attention of the 3,500 BASC companies that have investments and business in Florida. It is a win-win for both organizations and its members ", Mr. Cuza said.
About Florida Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association- FCBF
The Florida Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association, Inc. was founded in 1960 by a handful of Miami brokers & forwarders. FCBF has since grown into the most influential and active representative body of the Florida freight forwarding and customs brokerage community. Through its numerous committees of volunteer professionals, the FCBF represents our industry on matters that directly affect the trade arena.
