The Governments of the United States of America, Canada, and the Czech Republic co-sponsored the 15th International Export Control Conference, entitled “Strategic Trade Controls: Active Participation in Interagency Partnerships and International Alliances” in Prague from November 2-4, 2016. The conference aimed to advance the ability of governments around the globe to employ strategic trade controls to combat the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and the illicit and irresponsible transfer of conventional weapons.
This international conference brought together approximately 220 officials from more than 80 countries, as well as experts from international and non-governmental organizations and industry. Participants considered the ramifications of recent developments in controlling strategic trade and related enforcement practices. During the conference, the participants identified evolving proliferation challenges and threats and acknowledged the importance of adhering to multilateral nonproliferation regimes and employing effective strategic trade controls. The conference proceedings also supported knowledge sharing of best practices for interagency coordination, along with outreach to industry and the private sector.
This export control conference was intended to serve as a forum for exploring common challenges, discussing practical solutions and lessons learned, and building a community of strategic trade control practitioners committed to nonproliferation. Conference speakers addressed the importance of preventing transfers of strategic commodities to proliferant states and terrorist organizations; complying with UN Security Council Resolution 1540 requirements and possible support for doing so; controlling transit trade in strategic goods; and complying with international standards for combating the financing of proliferation efforts. Participants also engaged in group tabletop exercises that reinforce the importance of sound licensing practices, industry participation in export compliance, collaborative international engagement, and tailored enforcement techniques.
Notable participants and speakers include: Mr. Ivo Šrámek, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Security and Multilateral Issues of the Czech Republic Ministry of Foreign Affairs; His Excellency Andrew H. Schapiro, Ambassador of the United States to the Czech Republic; Her Excellency Barbara Richardson, Ambassador of Canada to the Czech Republic; and Mr.Simon Limage, Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Security and Nonproliferation with the United States Department of State.
For additional information, please visit: http://www.state.gov/strategictrade.
