Department of Homeland Security secretary Janet Napolitano revealed a plan to protect U.S. goods from terrorists, criminals, and natural disasters and to strengthen the U.S. supply chain globally Wednesday at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland.

“We must continue to strengthen global supply chains [1] to ensure that they operate effectively in time of crisis; recover quickly from disruptions; and facilitate international trade and travel," Napolitano said.

The National Strategy for Global Supply Chain Security [2] establishes two goals:

“The first is to promote the efficient and secure movement of goods and the second is to foster a global supply chain system that is prepared for and can withstand evolving threats and hazards, and rapidly recovery from disruptions,” according to a DHS press release.

DHS and the Department of State will lead a six month engagement period with the international community and industry stakeholders to solicit feedback and recommendations on how to implement the plan in a “cost effective and collaborative manner.” Within 12 months of the release of the strategy, a consolidated report on the status of implementation efforts will be developed, according to the release.

Click below to download The National Strategy for Global Supply Chain Security.

photo by photohome_uk /flickr [3]

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