Letters of credit (L/Cs) are to be introduced in a streamlined procurement process designed to give allies of the US in its fight against terrorism speedier access to weaponry.

The process established by the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) is one of a raft of incentives introduced by Washington to countries prepared to join the campaign against global terrorism. Sanctions that had prevented Pakistan and India because of their nuclear weapons programmes from procuring arms from the US have been lifted. for example.

The speedier procurement method includes 10 reforms. Complex termination liability payments are to be scrapped and replaced by simpler standby L/Cs. Other measures include improved payment terms and the use of online facilities to speed the flow of documents involved in arms deals.

This article represents the views of the author and not necessarily those of the ICC or any of the other partners in DC-PRO.