What now for North American trade? Baker Institute event will explore economic future

MEDIA ADVISORY

David Ruth
david@rice.edu
713-348-6327

Jeff Falk
jfalk@rice.edu
713-348-6775

What now for North American trade? Baker Institute event will explore economic future

HOUSTON – (Oct. 11, 2018) – Bruno Ferrari, former Mexican secretary of the economy, and Carlos Gutierrez, former United States secretary of commerce, will speak at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy Oct. 18 on the state of North American trade, the potential impact of the newly announced United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement and the prospects for the long-term prosperity and competitiveness of all three member countries.

The cost of attendance is $15 for the public, and registration is at https://www.bakerinstitute.org/events/1967. The event, hosted by the Baker Institute’s Center for Public Finance and Mexico Center, is part of the institute’s 25th anniversary commemorative programs featuring its centers and research.

Who: Bruno Ferrari, former Mexican secretary of the economy, and Carlos Gutierrez, former United States secretary of commerce.

John Diamond, the Edward A. and Hermena Hancock Kelly Fellow in Public Finance at the Baker Institute and director of Center for Public Finance, will serve as moderator.

What: A panel discussion titled “North American Trade: Issues and Challenges for the Next Decade.”

When: Thursday, Oct. 18, 6:30-8 p.m. A reception will be held at 6.

Where: Rice University, James A. Baker III Hall, Doré Commons, 6100 Main St.

For the past three decades, trade policies established by Canada, Mexico and the U.S. have generally led to the increased economic integration of North America, according to event organizers. Trade among all three countries has grown to more than $1.2 trillion per year. However, the future of North American trade has become an important and often contentious policy issue as accords such as the North American Free Trade Agreement created trade imbalances among members, organizers said.

Members of the news media who want to attend should RSVP to Jeff Falk, associate director of national media relations at Rice, at jfalk@rice.edu or 713-348-6775.

For a map of Rice University’s campus with parking information, go to www.rice.edu/maps. Media should park in the Central Campus Garage (underground).

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Founded in 1993, Rice University’s Baker Institute ranks among the top three university-affiliated think tanks in the world. As a premier nonpartisan think tank, the institute conducts research on domestic and foreign policy issues with the goal of bridging the gap between the theory and practice of public policy. The institute’s strong track record of achievement reflects the work of its endowed fellows, Rice University faculty scholars and staff, coupled with its outreach to the Rice student body through fellow-taught classes — including a public policy course — and student leadership and internship programs. Learn more about the institute at www.bakerinstitute.org or on the institute’s blog, http://blogs.chron.com/bakerblog.