Registration Open for PRA’s Virtual Event on Illicit Trade in Mexico
Registration is currently open for Property Rights Alliance’s virtual discussion about the impact of illicit trade on U.S.-Mexico relations. The discussion will take place on February 25th, 2021 at 10:00am EST and you can register to attend the event here: https://bit.ly/3pc5Tts
The recently implemented USMCA Free-Trade Agreement eliminates unnecessary trade barriers to fuel robust economic growth in the region and support mutually beneficial, freer, fairer markets. Along with modernizing rules for the 21st century, the agreement is intended to be a win-win-win, but challenges remain. This event will discuss how large illicit markets in Mexico cloud access, destroy the environment, and siphon off GDP.
Executive Director of Property Rights Alliance Lorenzo Montanari will moderate a discussion between Rep. Jodey Arrington (TX-19), Dip. Éctor J. Ramírez Barba, David Luna, Leroy Sheffer, Manuel Molano, Dr. Roberto Salinas León, Joseph M. Humire and Philip Thompson.
Congressman Jodey Arrington has represented Texas’s 19th congressional district in the House of Representatives since 2017. Rep. Arrington currently serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, where he works on issues related to tax and trade.
Deputy Éctor J. Ramírez Barba has served as Deputy of the Congress of the Union for the 5th District of Guanajuato in Mexico. He is a member of the National Action Party (PAN) and previously served as the Secretary of Health and the Secretary of Social and Human Development for the state of Guanajuato.
David Luna is a Senior Fellow for National Security with the Terrorism, Transnational Crime and Corruption Center at George Mason University. A former diplomat and national security official, Mr. Luna has served 21+ years in the federal government, including time at the Department of State, the White House, the Department of Labor, and the Senate.
Leroy Sheffer is Partner & CEO at International Trade Advisory Services (ITAS) and Vice President of the Board of Directors at the National Bank of Panama. With decades of experience in trade and economics, Mr. Sheffer previously served as Ambassador and Head of Trade Negotiations for the Republic of Panama.
Manuel Molano is the Chief Economist at Instituto Mexicano Para la Competitividad (IMCO). Mr. Molano has worked at IMCO since 2006 and is also an advisor for Laureate International Universities, México Contra la Delincuencia, and Consejo Empresarial Mexicano de Comercio Exterior, Inversión y Tecnología (COMCE).
Dr. Roberto Salinas León is the Director of the Center for Latin America at Atlas Network. An expert in Latin American trade and economics, Dr. Salinas León also works as the President of the Mexico Business Forum and President of Alamos Alliance.
Joseph M. Humire is the Executive Director of the Center for a Secure Free Society (SFS). Before joining SFS, Mr. Humire served in the U.S. Marine Corps and worked as the Director of Institute Relations at the Atlas Economic Research Foundation.
Philip Thompson is a Policy Analyst at Property Rights Alliance, where he specializes in intellectual property legislation and trade policy. Mr. Thompson also supports the International Property Rights Index and Trade Barriers Index, two annual publications of PRA.
You can register for the virtual discussion here and find the direct link to the discussion on YouTube here.