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Posted: 4/07/21

TAMIU Hosts Virtual 25th Annual Western Hemispheric Trade Conference

 

Western Hemispheric Trade Center logo
 

United States and México trade relations, opportunities and risks of artificial intelligence, and electricity market design were among topics discussed as academic researchers, business leaders, and policy makers convene for Texas A&M International University’s (TAMIU) virtual 25th Annual Western Hemispheric Trade Conference Wednesday, April 14  through Friday, April 16.

This year’s Conference was co-sponsored by TAMIU’s A. R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business and the Center for the Study of Western Hemispheric Trade (CSWHT) and held in partnership with México’s Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas Facultad de Comercio, Administración y Ciencias Sociales. 

Concurrent academic sessions and keynote presentations were free, open to the public and livestreamed via WebEx. For a complete Conference schedule, visit http://freetrade.tamiu.edu/. This year’s virtual conference includes added opportunities for its participants, including an interactive Guidebook app. The hub-like app could be customized to create a virtual conference agenda customized to each participant’s scheduled events. 

The first keynote was Wednesday, April 14 at 5:30 p.m., with the IBC Bank and Commerce Bank 2020-2021 Keynote Speaker Series presentation, “The Importance of Getting U.S.-México Relations Right,” featuring Ambassador Earl Anthony Wayne, Distinguished Diplomat in Residence at American University’s School of International Service. Ambassador Wayne will address key issues in bilateral relations and developments in México. 

During the second keynote, Dr. Darrell M. West presented his research topic, “Should You Be Worried about Artificial Intelligence.”  He discussed what artificial intelligence is, how it is being deployed, and its opportunities and risks. Additionally, West addressed a policy blueprint for moving forward. West is Vice President and Director of Governance Studies at Brookings Institution and author of  “Turning Point: Policymaking in the Era of Artificial Intelligence.”  This virtual presentation was Thursday, April 15 at 3 p.m. 

The final keynote, “Electricity Market Design: Preparing for a High Renewable Resource Future,” featured Dr. David Brown, associate professor of Economics at the University of Alberta and Canada Research Chair in Energy Economics and Policy. His presentation discussed ongoing debates over the design and regulation of wholesale electricity markets in a high renewable energy resource future. Dr. Brown also discussed market reforms to energy-only markets, such as Texas’s electricity market, to achieve a reliable supply of electricity that is resilient to extreme weather events and increased electrification.  His presentation was  Friday, April 16 at 1:30 p.m. 

For more information, contact Amy Palacios, TAMIU associate director, Center for the Study of Western Hemispheric Trade, at 956.326.2820, via email at amy@tamiu.edu or visit offices in Western Hemispheric Trade Center, room 221.

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Pictured, from left to right, are this year's Western Hemispheric Trade Center keynote speakers Ambassador Earl Anthony Wayne, Dr. Darrell M. West and Dr. David Brown.