TAMIU Hosts International Conference on Western Hemispheric Trade April 11-12

On April 11 and 12, Texas A&M International University's Center for the Study of Western Hemispheric Trade (CSWHT), in conjunction with the University of Miami's Dante B. Fascell North-South Center, and Texas A&M University's Center for the Study of Western Hemispheric Trade, will hold the Seventh Annual Conference, entitled "Free Trade in the Western Hemisphere: The Challenges and the Future." The event will take place at the Western Hemispheric Trade Center beginning at 8 a.m., Thursday, April 11 and continuing through 5 p.m.

The keynote speakers for the conference are Ambassador Ambler H. Moss, Jr., director of the Dante B. Fascell North-South Center; William Gruben, director of the Center for Latin American Economics and vice-president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas and Daniel Hernandez, associate vice-chancellor of The Texas A&M University System. Mayor Betty Flores and the TAMIU president Dr. Ray Keck will welcome the participants at the plenary session.

More than 100 people from several countries throughout Latin America, Europe and China are expected to attend the conference. Sessions will cover such topics as "Multinationals and Governments," "NAFTA Issues," Globalization and Multinational Enterprise," and "Currency and Exchange Rate Topics in the Western Hemisphere."

Dr. Label said the conference would be of interest to people from many backgrounds, including academics, entrepreneurs and government workers.

"This a great opportunity for members of the communities of TAMIU, Laredo and the sounding areas to participate in a conference with experts from throughout the world. This conference continues to meet one of the major goals of the Center for the Study of Western Hemispheric Trade, and the College of Business, to promote TAMIU and Laredo as a focal point for the study of trade and economics in the Western Hemisphere. We will continue to have more programs that meet the needs of Laredo and the University to further bring experts from around the hemisphere to Laredo and TAMIU," said Label.

The registration fee for the conference is $235 and includes conference material, a reception on April 10, at the La Posada Hotel, all meals, transportation and a maquila and shopping tour in Mexico on April 12.

For more information, please contact Dr. Wayne Label at 326.2828; visit offices in the Western Hemispheric Trade Center, room 203 or email wlabel@tamiu.edu. University office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu