During the past ten years, implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has brought about a tremendous growth in U.S.-Mexico trade and investment. Annual commerce between the two countries - now valued at more than $250 billion – has nearly tripled since 1993.

Seen as a logical extension of NAFTA, the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) will establish new U.S. trade alliances with six countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic. Signed on May 28, 2004 CAFTA is now awaiting a vote by the U.S. Congress.

Meanwhile, the United States has initiated FTA negotiations with the Republic of Panama – considered another important move towards encouraging governments throughout the Hemisphere to establish an eventual Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA).

Members and guests will review opportunities presented by these developments at the Chamber’s Binational Conference and Board of Director’s meeting scheduled for November 15-17, 2004 in Monterrey, Mexico. The "NAFTA/CAFTA/PAFTA Partnership" Conference will provide a timely opportunity for attendees to meet and discuss trade related issues with top-level Western Hemisphere officials in one of Mexico’s leading centers for commerce, business and industry. Featured Honorees at the Conference Gala will include Nuevo Leon Governor Natividad Gonzalez Paras and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Early registration is encouraged.

Monday,
November 15

Hotel Presidente InterContinental Monterrey
Jose Vasconcelos 300 Ote., Monterrey, N.L., MEXICO 66260

 Registration

 Welcome Reception - Hosted by Duty Free Americas
  Lic. Eloy Cantú Segovia
  Minister for Economic Development, State of Nuevo Leon

Tuesday,
November 16

Hotel Presidente InterContinental Monterrey
Jose Vasconcelos 300 Ote., Monterrey, N.L., MEXICO 66260

Breakfast & Welcome
Luis G. Moreno, Consul General of the U.S. in Monterrey
Alejandro Diek, Chief of Staff, Mexico's Ministry of the Economy

Panel I - Lean Manufacturing

Moderator: Eric Gustafson, President, USMCOC-Noreste Chapter

• Dale Alberts, Mgr. Business Development, Snap-on Industrial

• Cliff Gilroy, Director Supply Chain, International Truck

• Richard Rhan, Lean Practice Leader, SEA

Moderator: Michael Carricarte, President, AMEDEX

• David Libenson, CEO, Hospital Santa Engracia
• Larry Meagher, CEO, The American British Cowdray Hospital (ABC México)
• Jorge Aspiri, CEO, Hospital Christus Muguerza
• Martin Hernandez, Director-Health Services, ITESM

Moderator: Kay Bulow, Director, DOL Workforce Project 

• Vince Chapa, Senior Vice President, ACP Consulting
• Javier Garcia, VP Operations, Mary Kay Mexico
• Thomas Duening, Director Entrepreneurial rizona State University

Moderator: Al Zapanta, President & CEO, USMCOC

• Juan Manuel Carreon, Director, Union Pacific Mexico
• Mike Allen, McAllen Economic Development Corporation
• Louis Escareño, Commercial Director, Duty Free Americas

STATE: Luis Armando Reynoso Femat, Governor, State of Aguascalientes

FEDERAL: Santiago Creel Miranda, Mexico Secretary of the Interior (Gobernación)

GOOD NEIGHBOR: 
Natividad González Parás, Governor of Nuevo León
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Governor of California

Wednesday,
November 17

Hotel Presidente InterContinental Monterrey
Jose Vasconcelos 300 Ote., Monterrey, N.L., MEXICO 66260

 ACCOMMODATIONS

The Chamber has reserved a block of rooms for conference attendees for November 15-17, 2004 at special group rates
($90/night/single or double plus tax) at the:
Hotel Presidente InterContinental - Monterrey /
Jose Vasconcelos 300 Ote. Monterrey, 66260 Mexico

For hotel reservations please call:
Tel: 01152-818-368-6000  Fax: 011-52-818-368-6040

DEADLINE FOR HOTEL RESERVATIONS: November 1, 2004

TRAVEL

The Chamber has arranged special discounts with Continental Airlines for conference attendees.

Please contact Continental Airlines at 1-800-468-7022 or your travel agent for access to a special conference discount for zone fares and published fares. Please use reference number: 3848YH