As part of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce’s efforts to position Atlanta as an international trade center, a former Special Envoy for the Americas, Thomas “Mack” McLarty, is to discuss the future of the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) during a Hemispheric Trade Luncheon at the Sheraton Atlanta, Monday, Oct. 29, 12-1:00 p.m.
Mr. McLarty will address the opportunity for Atlanta-based companies to position themselves for future success by understanding and becoming actively involved in the process of forming an FTAA among 34 democracies in the Western Hemisphere by 2005.
He is to discuss issues such as market access, government procurement, dispute settlement, antidumping and countervailing duties, intellectual property rights, subsidies, competition policy and investment services.
Mr. McLarty is now vice chairman of Kissinger McLarty Associates, which provides strategic advisory services to U.S. and multinational companies. He was formerly President Clinton’s chief of staff. serving over five years on Clinton’s cabinet and on the National Economic Council. He organized the first Summit of the Americas in Miami in 1994, which was the precursor to future talks surrounding the formation of an FTAA.
Former ambassador to Canada and the Metro Atlanta Chamber’s vice chairman of international affairs, Gordon Giffin, is to give a welcoming address at the luncheon. Mr. Giffin is a partner in the law offices of Long Aldridge & Norman.
Cost of the luncheon is $40 for Metro chamber members, $55 for non-members. Register with Abby Smith at (404) 586-8460 or online at www.metroatlantachamber.com/events