2003-2004 Western Hemispheric Trade Keynote Speaker Series Continues Feb. 10

The Texas A&M International University 2003-2004 Western Hemispheric Trade Keynote Speaker Series will continue Tuesday, February 10, examining Mexican competitiveness in the coming years.

Offered by the College of Business Administration's 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.

David W. Eaton, president and founder of Monterrey Business Consultants, where he serves as the director of the state of Missouri - Mexico Trade Office, will discuss "The convergence of Politics and Economics: The Future of Mexican Competitiveness." Eaton is the executive director of the North American International trade Corridor Partnership.

Virginia Vincent, associate director of the CSWHT, said that attendees will learn about the intersection of politics and economics, specifically applied to Mexico.

"Eaton is a graduate of the University of Arizona College of Law, and holds a Masters in commercial law from Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (ITESM), and can bring unique insights into the potential future of the Mexican economy. In addition, he is co-owner of the Monterrey-based mixed use development Villa XXI and professor of international business and law at ITESM, making him particularly qualified," 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:

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.