Two Decades of NAFTA: What has been the Impact on Minnesota?

Since January 1, 1994, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has significantly affected its three signatories: Canada, Mexico, and the United States.  Trade in the region has grown, our economies are more integrated, and leaders of each country have touted NAFTA’s benefits.  The signing of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and the 2016 U.S. elections have put international trade and investment treaties in the spotlight, with vocal criticism coming from across the political spectrum.  At a time when globalization has become the “new norm” and more Minnesota companies rely on international trade than ever before, how has NAFTA impacted the three countries and the State of Minnesota, its companies, and its workforce?

Join us for an engaging discussion with the newly installed diplomatic representatives of Canada and Mexico in Minnesota, followed by a panel of trade experts and business leaders who will discuss the impact of NAFTA after 22 years. Topics will include:

• The effects of NAFTA on North America’s economies
• The impacts of NAFTA on Minnesota’s businesses
• How to effectively navigate cross-border trade in the NAFTA region

Register

Registration required.

Featured Speakers

Consul General Khawar Nasim
Consul General of Canada in Minneapolis
In July 2016, Khawar Nasim was named Canada’s Consul General for Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota. Consul General Nasim joined the Canadian Department of External Affairs, now Global Affairs Canada, in 1993. His overseas career has included postings in Rome, Barcelona, and, most recently, The Hague. During his time at the Department’s headquarters in Ottawa, Consul General Nasim has served in the European Investment and Technology Division, the South Asian Trade Division and the Trade Operations Policy Unit. Consul General Nasim took a leave from government to work as Vice-President of External Affairs at Yamana Gold of Toronto from 2010 to 2013.

Consul Gerardo Guerrero
Consul of Mexico in St. Paul
Consul Guerrero was named the fourth Consul of Mexico in St. Paul on May 31. He has worked at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs since 1987 and joined the Diplomatic Corps in 1997. Consul Guerrero has served as an attorney in different legal offices within the Ministry, as well as at the Consulate General of Mexico in New York, and was appointed Deputy Legal Counsel of the Ministry in 2012.

Additional Panelists

• Monica McFarlane Scott, Senior International Trade Specialist, U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Commercial Service
• Tami Karakas, Sr. Manager Global Trade Compliance & Security, The Toro Company 
• Theresa Walker, Global Customs Director, Cargill Incorporated
• Jessica Libby, Director, Trade & Customs, KPMG
• Chris Bercaw, Partner, Corporate Group, Dorsey & Whitney LLP 

Agenda

7:30 – Check-in and breakfast

8:00 – Program

Parking
Parking will be validated at: Dorsey Ramp/50 South Sixth Street and Gaviidae Common Ramp

This program is presented in partnership with Dorsey &Whitney LLP, KPMG, and the Minnesota Trade Office.