The Laredo Economic Development Corporation (EDC) hosted its 31st Pathways for Trade Symposium at the Laredo Country Club, focusing on “Opportunities in a Technology-Driven Supply Chain.”
This year’s symposium marked a significant milestone as it celebrated three decades of cross-border trade facilitated under the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and its successor, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
The event commenced on Wednesday, September 18, with a dinner honoring the 30th anniversary of NAFTA/USMCA. As part of this celebration, the Laredo EDC recognized Mr. Gerry Schwebel as the 2024 Trade Ambassador for his contributions to promoting cross-border trade and fostering strong North American partnerships. The anniversary dinner featured a presentation from Tiffany Melvin, JD, President of the North American Strategy for Competitiveness (NASCO), who spoke about the critical role that NAFTA and USMCA have played in shaping North American trade relations and advancing economic growth.
In an effort to inspire the next generation of logistics and trade professionals, the symposium included students from the Academy of Global Business & Advanced Technology at United South High School (USHS). Led by Principal Martha Alvarez, Magnet Dean Sinneh Koroma, and Logistics Instructor Claudia Saenz, these students are part of the Business Magnet Pathway. Upon graduating from high school, each student will receive a Logistics Technician One-Semester Certificate from Laredo College, equipping them with foundational skills to enter the logistics and supply chain fields.
The 31st Pathways for Trade Symposium offered a platform for industry leaders, policymakers, and educators to discuss the future of a technology-driven supply chain, focusing on innovations that promise to enhance efficiency, security, and economic competitiveness across North America. As industries continue to evolve through digitization, automation, and sustainable practices, the Laredo EDC aims to ensure that the region remains at the forefront of these advancements, fostering a robust trade environment for future generations.
President,
North American Strategy for Competitiveness, Inc. (NASCO)
Senior Advisor at Covington & Burling, LLP. and Former Mexico’s Ambassador to the United States
Executive Director,
Texas Space Commission
Director of Field Operations,
Laredo Field Office,
Office of Field Operations,
U.S. Customs and Border
Protection
Executive Vice President,
Corporate International Division,
International Bank of Commerce
This year’s event is no different as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of operating under the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) /United States Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA).
The 30th annual celebration of NAFTA/USMCA included a special presentation by Tiffany Melvin, JD, President of the North American Strategy for Competitiveness (NASCO).
Norman R. Garza, Jr.
Executive Director, Texas Space
Commission
PORTS OF LAREDO, TAMAULIPAS AND NUEVO LEON
“Texas Mexico Automotive Super Cluster”
David Marquez,
Executive Director, Bexar County Economic
Development
“North American Trading Relationships - Complex
Political Landscapes and Crucial Outcomes”
Moderator: Rachel Connell, Vice President, NASCO
Strategies Mexico
Geronimo Gutierrez Fernandez,
Senior Advisor at Covington & Burling, LLP. and Former Mexico’s Ambassador
to the United States
"Technologies to Expedite Safe and Secure International
Trade"
David Salgado, Ph.D.
Assistant Program Manager, Associate
Research Scientist,
International Trade and Border Transportation, Texas A&M Transportation Institute
“IT Architecture, Cybersecurity, and Business Continuity
for Logistics Service Providers”
“Innovation at the Border: Logistechs for Enhanced
Cross-Border Trade”
Daniel Covarrubias, Ph. D., Director of Texas Center for Border & Economic Development, Texas A&M International University
“Gordie Howe International Bridge: Seamlessly Connecting
North America”
Donald R. Kusser, Director of Field Operations, Laredo Field Office, Office of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Assistant Program Manager, Associate Research Scientist, International Trade and Border Transportation,
Texas A&M Transportation Institute
Director, Texas Center for Border Economic and Enterprise Development,
Texas A&M International University
Associated Professor of Engineering,
Texas A&M International University
Vice President,
NASCO
Assistant Bridge Director,
City of Laredo Bridge System
Chief Relations Officer,
Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority
Senior Policy Analyst, Windsor-Detroit
Bridge Authority
International Affairs Director for the State of Nuevo Leon & Port Colombia-Laredo Promotion Director
Port Director for Laredo Port of Entry,
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Executive Director,
Bexar County Economic Development
Industrial Development
and Foreign Trade Director,
City of Nuevo Laredo, Tamps.
Director of Consulting and Training,
PANACEA Strategy.
Southern Border Lead & Founding AE
Deep Cognition, AI
Managing Partner,
Monarch Global Strategies Mexico
616 Leal St. Laredo, Texas 78044
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