CAFTA Focus of Western Hemispheric Trade Keynote Speaker Series Nov. 11

The Texas A&M International University 2004-2005 Western Hemispheric Trade Keynote Speaker Series will continue Thursday, November 11, focusing on the "The Case for Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA): Expanding Freedom in our Hemisphere."

The lecture will take place from 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. in the Western Hemispheric Trade Center, room 111. It is free and open to the public.

Keynote speaker will be Daniel T. Griswold, director of the Cato Institute's Center for Trade Policy Studies, Washington, D.C. The series is sponsored by the TAMIU College of Business Administration's Center for the Study of Western Hemispheric Trade.

Griswold specializes in the economic effects of international trade. He has been published in The Wall Street Journal, The Los Angeles Times, The Financial Times, and other major publications and has appeared on C-SPAN, CNN, PBS, the BBC, Fox News, MSNBC and numerous other TV and radio news and talk shows.

He has testified before congressional committees and federal agencies on the U.S. trade deficit, steel trade, immigration, and the costs of protectionism.

Virginia Vincent, associate director of the CSWHT, said Series attendees will have the opportunity to learn about recent issues that impact trade and development in the Americas and in turn impact Laredo from leading researchers and policy makers.

"The Series presents realistic and targeted lectures communicated by prominent leaders, renowned experts and exceptional scholars in the trade and international business field. It brings to the University individuals of brilliant accomplishment and expertise to enhance the academic experience of TAMIU students, faculty and the community. Through this Keynote Speaker Series, the University brings the caliber of speakers that you would normally see in larger venues, larger cities," added Vincent.

Vincent said the CSWHT plans on having a keynote speaker once a month through April 2005. The next lecture will be held Thursday, December 2 at 7:30 p.m. in the Western Hemispheric Trade Center, room 111.

Leigh B. Boske, associate dean and professor of economics at the University of Texas at Austin's Lyndon B. Johnson School, will discuss "The Impact of Evolving Trans-Pacific Trade Patterns and Transportation Corridors on NAFTA Economies and Distribution Networks."

For more information about any of the lectures in the Series, please contact Vincent at 326.2827, visit offices at the Western Hemispheric Trade Center, room 222D or e-mail vvincent@tamiu.edu.

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