LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) – Students, business leaders and future business experts discussed various international business trends as the economy changes.
The business world is rapidly evolving, from changes in the job market to advancements in AI. Dr. Francisco Lopez-Vazquez, a professor at Universidad del Norte de Tamaulipas in Mexico, emphasizes that students must show a stronger commitment to their studies, particularly in light of the new technological and policy developments.
“These new times require people who can contribute, and science is one of the paths to a more effective professional career,” Vazquez said.
These are just a few of the topics discussed during this year’s 29th annual Western Hemispheric Trade Conference. Held at Texas A&M International University, the conference featured speakers, economists and professors from across the country and beyond the border. They highlighted recent changes in the global economy, including developments related to tariffs and the stock market.
“The new decisions the government is making also means we need to increase our competitiveness. So, if the organization and the economic structure are going to change, we have to go with that movement. That’s why we’re here,” Vazquez added.
Raquel Gonzalez, one of many business students from a university in Tamaulipas, presented her research at the conference. “Yesterday, I covered the cryptocurrency and financial aspects. I feel it’s relevant both in Mexico and the United States to understand how the financial crisis affects cryptocurrencies. I also feel it’s very helpful in preparing ourselves for university and work, in terms of everything relevant here.”
Gonzalez believes that sharing knowledge and learning from other presenters helps develop business models. This way, other students and aspiring entrepreneurs will have the tools they need to execute their business plans.
“Almost every topic, such as information technology or artificial intelligence, is helpful in the field. It’s helpful in business, for new generations coming up and for the innovations that will be coming to companies,” Gonzalez said.
Bringing experts together under the same roof helps provide students from Laredo and across the border a glimpse of the possibilities after graduation.
The conference will continue on Friday, April 11, with topics including employment, knowledge management, and security interventions.
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