Singapore is organizing its first ever APEC symposium on total supply chain security from July 6-7, according to Channel News Asia.

This was brought up and agreed to at the last APEC Ministers Summit held in Korea last year.

The meeting is aimed at raising awareness of the issue.

Following the September 11 attacks, many governments and private companies had enhanced the security of key installations and operations, like airports.

A new area that has been getting a lot of attention recently is the global supply chain.

In today's globalized world, many products travel all over before landing at their final destination.

They are manufactured in one place, warehoused in another, transported to yet another, from port to port.

A terror attack at any one of these points could disrupt global commerce.

One study has estimated that losses from such disruptions can be to the tune of US$100m a day - just in the US.

During the two-day symposium, more than 20 speakers from 10 countries will share their views and experiences on the security of the global supply chain.

Topics will include threats and vulnerabilities to the global supply chain, benefits to facilitating trade and business, perspectives from governments and industry on principles and approaches towards supply chain security, and challenges for the future.

More than 320 policy makers, industry practitioners and professionals from over 15 countries will be attending the event.