Santo Domingo.-  In a recent ceremony in the U.S. Ambassador Raul Yzaguirre’s residence, 22 companies operating in the Dominican Republic received the certification for the Implementation of the Control and Security Management System (SGCS), better known as BASC, to minimize the risks of terrorism, drug trafficking and any unlawful activity within the Foreign Trade Supply Chain.

Yzaguirre hailed the work being done in conjunction with the Business Alliance for Secure Commerce (BASC) since it has become a key initiative for safe trade. "Companies today are certified by BASC decide to take a more active role in security issues and show that they are willing to contribute to it.”

BASC Dominicana president Kai Schoenhals said the fact that the U.S. Embassy will be hosting the delivery of the certifications is evidence of their importance, as well as being the BASC’s main partner.

He said it’s a privilege that U.S. Customs and Border Protection, CBP, local representative Michael G. Olsen will attend this year’s ceremony, resulting from an agreement signed last year.

He noted that among the BASC certification’s key benefits figure "the company’s improved image and credibility, promoting a culture focused on safety, improvements in risk profiles and reduced cargo damage. Furthermore, the reduction in the use of legitimate trade for illegal activities, and strengthening business and confidence."

"Security isn’t about luck, organizations must place the same or higher importance as they do on other aspects of their business to achieve high Control and Security Management standards. This requires adopting a structured proposal to identify hazards and assess and control risks associated with international their trade activities," Schoenhals said.

Certified companies

In the ceremony the BASC compliance certificates were issued to the companies representing various sectors, such as Consorcio de Cítricos Dominicanos, Davis & Geck Caribe, Dominican Wolverine Shoes Co., Industrias Nacionales CxA, Plásticos Multiform and Spartan Shoes Co.

Also CaribeTrans, Inversiones Stonewood Dominicana, Reefer Services, Agencias Navieras B&R, DP-World Caucedo, Haina International Terminals, Laboratorios MUSALAB, Latin American Free Zone Investments PIISA and Marítima Dominicana.

In the services and security sector figure A24 Alarma 24, Consultores en Sistemas de Información y Seguridad, G4S Security Services, Security Force, SEGASA, Servicios de Seguridad S.A. – SEGURIASA, and Servicios Universales de Seguridad.