2003-2004 Western Hemispheric Trade Keynote Speaker Series Continues Jan. 26

The Texas A&M International University 2003-2004 Western Hemispheric Trade Keynote Speaker Series will continue Monday, Jan. 26, examining NAFTA's impact on agriculture.

Offered by the College of Business' Center for the Study of Western Hemispheric Trade (CSWHT), the lecture will take place at 7:30 p.m. in the Western Hemispheric Trade Building, room 116. The event is free and open to the public.

C. Parr Rosson, III, professor and Extension Economist-International Trade and Marketing, and director of the Center for North American Studies, Department of Agricultural Economics at Texas A&M University, will discuss "NAFTA: Progress & Prospects for Agriculture." His teaching and research interests have included the impact of NAFTA, expanding U.S. agricultural exports to Cuba, irrigation water use and crop production trends in Chihuahua, Mexico.

Virginia Vincent, associate director of the CSWHT, said that attendees will learn about the history and possible feature of an important aspect of trade in the Western Hemisphere, from an expert in the field.

"In addition to NAFTA and agriculture, Rosson's interests include bio-terrorism and treats for trade disruption, the World Trade Organization negotiations, the opportunities for a Free Trade Area of the Americas and the Central America Free Trade Area. He's interested in providing international marketing education and trade policy analysis for agricultural associations. He's a member of the USDA/USTR Agricultural Trade Advisory Committee on Grains, Feed, and Oilseeds and chairs the Agribusiness and Fisheries Committee of the Border Trade Alliance," she noted.

Vincent said the CSWHT plans on having a keynote speaker once a month through April 2004. All events will be held at 7:30 p.m. in the Western Hemispheric Trade Center, room 116, unless otherwise noted.

The remaining schedule is as follows:

Feb. 10 - "The Convergence of Politics and Economics: The Future of Mexican Competitiveness," David W. Eaton, Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (ITESM).

March 10 - "US-Mexico Migration," Phillip Martin, University of California Comparative Immigration and Integration Program, UC-Davis.

April 1 - "The Impact of Demographic Change on the Texas Border," Steve Murdock, State of Texas Demographer.

April 19 - "Economic Integration of the Americas," Chandler Stolp, LBJ School of Public Affairs, University of Texas.

Vincent explained the Series was created to meet the needs of the community.

"The Series is now in its third year and has evolved from an occasional series to a monthly lecture series aimed at shedding light through expert lectures on the many aspects of trade in our hemisphere. The Series presents practical and targeted lectures imparted by distinguished leaders, recognized experts and outstanding scholars in the trade and international business arenas," she said.

For more information about any of the lectures in the Series, please contact Vincent at 326.2820, visit offices in the Western Hemispheric Trade Center, room 206, or e-mail cswht@tamiu.edu.

University office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.