The foundations of the Global Coalition for Efficient Logistics (GCEL) were first constructed out of the need to resolve growing trade inefficiencies within the Global Logistics Industry (GLI), which had accumulated after years of globalization generated by the advent of trade containerization.
The growing fragmentation between global trading parties has contributed to higher domestic and international trade cost for all nations. However, this especially hinders mid- and low-income countries, where such trade cost around three to four times that of high-income countries. These extra costs nullify the labor cost advantage of the mid and low-income countries and limits foreign direct investment to them.
Following the tragic events of 9/11, and in response to the urgent need for efficient and secure trade, Axiolog, a Michigan-based USA company, founded the Secure Cargo Anti-Terrorism Coalition (SCAC) in 2003.
The primary objective of SCAC was to demonstrate the ability to achieve new levels of trade efficiency and security through the deployment of advanced open access information technology.
This led to the formulation of the Multi-Dimensional Digital Economy Application System (MDDEAS).
This advanced technology was successfully “Proven in Practice” by SCAC over one of the world’s busiest border crossings, handling more than USD 110 billion in annual shipments between Ontario in Canada and Michigan in the United States.
The response to the successful results was overwhelmingly positive, leading to favorable endorsements from a broad range of public and private sector leaders worldwide.
Following the expert testimony of Captain Salloum, the Co-Chairman of GCEL, to a U.S. Congressional Select Committee on Homeland Security, the principal tenets of the technology influenced 7 out of 10 elements included within Presidential Directives, National Security Presidential Directive (NSPD) #41 and Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD) #13.
With that understanding, GCEL was created as a PPP in 2005 by government and private-sector leaders, representing the interests of the manufacturing, agriculture and material-handling industries. After rapidly expanding international recognition, in 2006 GCEL was legally established in Switzerland as a non-profit organization under article 60 of the Swiss Civil Code.