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October 20, 2000

Summit to focus on Texas trade strategies

Strengthening Texas' role in agricultural export markets will be the focus on a two-day summit featuring experts from across the globe.

The International Trade Summit, in cooperation with the Texas Agricultural Forum, will be held Nov. 14-15 at the Hyatt Regency International in Houston. The summit will allow producers and agribusinesses to receive a first-hand look at important issues affecting today's trade of foods and other agricultural goods.

The summit, co-sponsored by Texas Farm Bureau and other agricultural groups, will feature several noted experts, including: Gus Schumacher, U.S. Undersecretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services, on United States' World Trade Organization priorities; Jean-Francois Boittin, economic counselor, Embassy of France, who will discuss European World Trade Organization priorities; Gerry Kiley, European Committee Delegation agricultural counselor, who has been invited to discuss European Union trade priorities and issues; and Texas Agriculture Commissioner Susan Combs, who will discuss Texas' role in international agriculture.

Pat Helton, director of the Texas Tech International Trade Center, will discuss roles of small business development centers and trade centers; and Israel Gutierrez, Secretary of Commerce for Mexico, will discuss Mexico's new administration, trade and investment opportunities. Gustavo Machin, First Secretary-Cuban Interest Section of the Swiss Embassy, will highlight Cuba's trade and investment opportunities. Tim Daughtery, Farmland Industries' manager of North American Grain, will highlight changes in grain marketing and buyer specifications throughout the world. Robin Tillsworth-Rude, former U.S. Ag Counselor to Indonesia, has been invited to discuss infrastructure and investment in Asia.

U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady and Nobel winner Norman Borlaug are invited featured speakers during the evening of Nov. 15. Dr. Borlaug will discuss the important and controversial role of GMOs in helping solve the world's hunger problem.

General registration for the conference is $150, while student registration is $75. Late registration after Oct. 23 is $175. Cost for the Tuesday reception and dinner is $65.

For more information about the summit go to http://agsummit.tamu.edu.