Washington, D.C. – In honor of the Hispanic Heritage Month, the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI) held its 8th Annual Trade & International Affairs Symposium, Free and Fair Rules of the Game: The Key to Strengthening Trade, to lead a discussion on trade issues that affect U.S. global competitiveness. The Symposium was hosted at Top of the Hill in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, September 25th.
“International trade impacts the economy by creating employment opportunities, raising living standards, and providing consumers a variety of goods. From the fight against corruption to cultural exports, like film, music, and media, free and fair trade is an important factor for America and businesses,” expressed CHLI Trade & International Affairs Symposium Chair, Omar Franco.
This year’s forum was introduced with welcoming remarks from CHLI Chairman, the Honorable Lincoln Diaz-Balart and CHLI Board Members, Senator Rick Scott (FL), Congressman William Hurd(TX-23) and Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart(FL-25).
Opening remarks were followed by a panel discussion on The Fight Against Corruption: Fundamental for Investment and Job Creation – The Paraguay Experience, moderated by CHLI Chairman, The Honorable Lincoln Diaz-Balart. The guest speakers on the panel featured National Delegate for the Specialized Cybercrime Unit for the Republic of Paraguay, The Honorable Irma Llano Pereira, and President of the Senate of Paraguay, The Honorable Blas Llano. The three discussed trade and its impact on the United States-Paraguay relationship, as well as their methods for combatting organized crime.
Panelists for the ‘America’s Cultural Exports: Film, Music, and Media,’ discussion includedAmelia Wang Binderwith National Music Publishers Association, Anissa Brennanwith Motion Picture Association of America, andVishal Amin, US Intellectual Property Enforcement CoordinatoratThe White House. They shared dialogue on how the U.S. creative industry is a major drive for the U.S. economy, and is creating vast opportunities for young professionals in America. Lori Montenegro, National Correspondent at Noticias Telemundomoderated the panel.
Keynote Speaker, Dr. Carlos Diaz-Rosillo, Senior Deputy Chairmanof theNational Endowment for the Humanities shared his insight on cultural exports of America and expanded on how the United States sponsors humanities programs for museums, institutions, and media across the country.
Omar Franco withBecker & Poliakoffled a discussion with Al Zapanta, President and CEO of the United States-Mexico Chamber of Commerce,on USMCA Perspectives from Mexico, focusing on the importance of cybersecurity and the evolution of digital trade.
The CHLI would like to thank this year’s sponsors: Susana Santana with AT&T; Ray Dempsey with BP America;Herbalife Nutrition; Maria Luisa Boyce with UPS;Sara Decker with WalMart; Chanelle Hardy with Google; and all Symposium attendees.
