Texas Border Business
San Antonio, Texas – Leila Afas, Toyota’s Director of International Public Policy will be the keynote speaker at the Alliance’s International Business Forum Luncheon.
In her current role, Ms. Afas provides insight and guidance on geopolitical trends and market developments, and helps develop and advocate Toyota’s positions on global issues. She also enhances Toyota’s government affairs operations in emerging markets worldwide.
“Ms. Afas has a long and distinguished career in international trade, having served as the U.S. Trade and Development Agency’s (USTDA) Country Manager for the Middle East and North Africa and as an appointee for President Obama at the USTDA promoting global sales of U.S. products and services through market development and client advocacy,” said José E. Martinez, President and CEO of Free Trade Alliance San Antonio. “We are very pleased to hear her perspectives on the current issues impacting international business and trade. The breadth of her knowledge on international trade and policy issues will be very interesting to our Forum attendees”, he continued.
The luncheon takes place on October 18 from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in San Antonio.
The luncheon is part of the Alliance’s all-day conference which aims to provide companies and professionals with crucial international business information and provide participants with the opportunity to make connections to do more effective international trade.
Several U.S. and foreign companies have already signed up for the Forum with many particularly interested in the business matchmaking meetings and the presentations on business opportunities and resources in countries such as Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Germany, Mexico and Spain.
The day ends with a cocktail reception celebrating diplomacy and trade at the Mexican Cultural Institute of San Antonio co-hosted by the World Affairs Council and the City of San Antonio’s International Relations Office.
This is the fourth staging of the International Business Forum, which continues to be one of San Antonio’s most targeted programs to build export awareness among local business, showcase San Antonio’s assets and bring foreign investment into the City.
The International Business Forum takes place on Wednesday, October 18 from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm at the Grand Hyatt San Antonio. For more information visit www.freetradealliance.org or call Melina Gomez at 210-229-9036.
