NNSA Deputy Administrator Corey Hinderstein's remarks at the Malaysia Export Control Summit

Good morning and welcome to the Southeast Asian Forum on Export Control, also known as SEAFEC. On behalf of the Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration, it is my honor to welcome you all to this important event that brings together policymakers, technical experts, and other stakeholders from across Southeast Asia to address strategic trade controls and its impact on regional and global security and economic development.

In NNSA’s Office of Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation, we work globally to prevent state and non-state actors from developing nuclear and other Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) or acquiring weapons-usable nuclear or radiological materials, equipment, technology, and expertise.

This mission is a priority for the United States, and the U.S. government is fully committed to strengthening strategic trade controls as part of a layered approach to addressing the enduring threat posed by WMD proliferation.

At NNSA, we work closely with our partners at the Department of State and other U.S. Government agencies to provide technical expertise to the multilateral export control regimes.

We are also involved in reviewing dual-use license applications, administering controls on nuclear technology, and providing training and technical advice to our domestic colleagues who enforce strategic trade control laws.

But a central element of our mission is collaboration with international partners and organizations. We help foreign partners strengthen their national strategic trade control systems through customized export licensing, enterprise outreach, and enforcement training and technical exchange programs.

The key word in that is “custom.” These systems only work when they are specific to each individual circumstances, threat environment, and legal and regulatory contexts.

We are pleased to be with you here today in this capacity – to exchange ideas and best practices and to learn from each other.

This work has become increasingly important, especially as the geopolitical landscape changes, bringing with it new challenges.

Dual-use technologies – by definition – blur the line between civilian and military applications, demanding our vigilant attention. The illicit transfer of sensitive goods and technologies can fuel conflicts, undermine international agreements, and jeopardize our collective security.

We must balance these concerns with the legitimate rights of nations to engage in peaceful trade, drive innovation, and spur economic development.

It is imperative that we structure robust strategic trade control systems in ways that boost the economic benefits of international commerce, not undermining them.

When we effectively manage trade in strategic and high-value items, we create an environment that fosters innovation, investment, and confidence in our economies and in us as trade partners.

By instilling confidence in the integrity of our trade practices, we attract foreign investment, encourage technological advancements, and enhance our global competitiveness.

Our experiences with partners in SE Asia show that responsible trade practices can lead to sustainable growth opportunities in value-added goods and technologies.

The effectiveness of strategic trade control systems is only as strong as the weakest link.

To this end, it is essential that ALL countries in the region develop effective and efficient systems, and regional cooperation and coordination becomes imperative.

By strengthening controls regionally we prevent the diversion of sensitive technologies that could be used for WMD and contribute to regional stability.

SEAFEC stands as a testament to the shared commitment of your nations to promote responsible and secure trade practices for strategic and high-value goods and commodities.

In an interconnected world the need for robust, coordinated controls has never been more pronounced.

SEAFEC offers us a platform to exchange ideas, experiences, and best practices. Our collective knowledge and collaboration are our strongest assets.

The United States government and the Department of Energy are committed to the ongoing development of SEAFEC and the expansion of strategic trade controls throughout Southeast Asia.

We recognize the importance of capacity building and technical assistance in enhancing capabilities and look forward to working with you.

I encourage each of you to actively engage in the discussions, share your insights, and forge lasting connections that build a strong community.

Let’s work together so that SEAFEC not only meets its objectives but also advances our shared vision of a world where responsible trade practices lead to economic growth and shared peace and security.