"Free Trade in the Americas" Conference Continues Friday at TAMIU

Critical issues facing the Western Hemisphere are the focus of a Conference at Texas A&M International University Friday.

TAMIU's Center for Study of Western Hemispheric Trade is holding its 8th Annual Conference "Free Trade in the Americas" in the Western Hemispheric Trade Center with researchers coming from throughout the United States, Mexico and Brazil.

The two-day Conference continues Friday at 8:30 a.m. with a welcome and introduction by Dr. Pedro Albuquerque, TAMIU assistant professor of economics, of the keynote speaker Dr. Jorge Saba Arbache, who will address NAFTA and the labor market in Latin America and Brazil in room WHTC 111.

A half hour break at 10 a.m. will be followed with academic sessions 3, 4, and 5 in rooms WHTC 103, 104 and 126 respectively.

At noon, the luncheon will feature special guest speaker Jim E. Moore of The Laredo National Bank.

Interested individuals can attend any number of sessions and one meal for $25.

For more information, please contact Virginia Vincent at 326.2827, e-mail

vvincent@tamiu.edu or visit offices in WHTC room 203H.

University Spring semester hours are from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-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