Akron Council on World Affairs > Programs > Speaker Series > Upcoming Events - http://www.akronworldaffairs.org/programs/events/netherlands_potman.html

HOW TO REGISTER

Download the registration form and return with payment. Registrations are due by Friday, April 18, 2008.

ABOUT THIS PROGRAM

ACWA invites diplomats from embassies of countries that are important partners with the U.S., both in trade and politics, and long-term in addressing important global challenges. ACWA originated this program in 2005. View archives of previous participants.

In addition to the formal evening event, diplomats participate in ACWA's award-winning Global Scholars program for high-school students. ACWA also arranges sessions with executives and economists engaged in global trade in Northeast Ohio. The content of all programs is developed specifically for ACWA program attendees.

For more information about participation in any of these programs, e-mail ACWA's Executive Director Jane Walker Snider, at
info@akronworldaffairs.org.

SPEAKER PROFILE

José Luis Briceño

Mr. Briceño serves at the Trade Commission of Spain in Chicago, as Director of the Department of Industry and Technology.

He leads a team working to foster economic relations between Spain and the U.S. The Trade Commission acts as a liaison between U.S. and Spanish companies by providing information to firms and entities interested in Spanish industry, Spanish companies and their products, as well as providing information about investment opportunities in Spain.

SPAIN IN THE NEWS

In March 2008, its Socialist government was re-elected after a bitterly fought campaign, with expectations of sweeping cultural, and political liberalization, including expanded rights of women.
New York Times, 3/10/08

Immigration is turning into a hot-button political issue in Spain — and across Europe. Since 2000, nearly four million immigrants helped fuel Spain's economic boom which is now faltering.
Wall Street Journal, 3/6/08

Four years ago, in 2004, the election process was impacted by the Madrid train bombings. This year, Spain's housing bubble has burst and inflation has risen, posing challenges for the government.
The Economist, 1/26/08

THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2008 Hilton Akron/Fairlawn

Spain: New Values and Challenges at Home and Abroad

José Luis Briceño, Director of the Department of Industry and Technology, Trade Commission of Spain, Chicago

José Luis Briceño will provide a complex profile of Spain in 2008. Its Socialist government, re-elected in March, faces a significant shift in the country's economy, following a 14-year boom, and related immigration debates. That boom brought Spain dominance it retains today: in car manufacturing — 6th largest in the world; in alternative energy — 3rd in the world in wind power generation; and in many other categories of global trade including desalination plants. Spain today is the 8th largest economy in the world.

The retention of Spain’s Socialist government is predicted to further spur the trend underway towards secularization, pacifism and political tolerance as well as expanded rights of women. The country’s values are reflected in its international aid commitment, ranking 14th in the world, as well as its humanitarian response to crises around the world. In February 2008, Spain delivered humanitarian aid to areas of Ecuador affected by flooding.

Spain welcomes more than 60 million visitors annually to its historic cities and modern sights, contrasting the past, present and future. The Prada Museum has added a major expansion permitting visits to an additional 50 percent of its collections.

We invite you to join us on Thursday, April 24, for an evening that will bring together what you know about Spain with perspective on the many changes in its culture and trade, its politics and its people, and its bilateral relations with the U.S. We believe you will feel connected in a whole new way to this dynamic country.

Hilton Akron/Fairlawn | map
3180 West Market Street - Fairlawn
330-867-5000
(Across from Summit Mall — Ghent Road Exit from I-77)

6:00 p.m. Registration/Cash Bar
6:45 p.m. Dinner
7:30 p.m. Formal Program, followed by Questions & Answers and Discussion

To Register for this Event

Reception - Dinner - Formal Program

Individual Registrations: Members - $35
Non-Members - $45

Formal Program Only

Individual Registrations: Members - $12
Non-Members - $15

To Register for Either

Registrations are due no later than Friday, April 18, 2008.

Download the registration form and return with a check payable to:

ACWA - P.O.Box 5300 - Akron, OH 44334

Join ACWA

Visit the Join section of this Web site for more information and to download the membership form.