Ambassador Pascual ended a two day visit to Monterrey on November 9th and 10th by delivering the keynote address at the closing plenary session of the 2009 Mexico Business Summit.  This annual event is modeled on the World Economic Forum and brings together prominent leaders from business, government and academia. In keeping with this year's theme “Beyond the Crisis, Creating a Vision for a New Era,” sessions focused on Mexico's need for improved infrastructure, health care, and renewable energy.  Aside from Ambassador Pascual, participants included President Felipe Calderon, Colombian President Alvaro Uribe, businessman Carlos Slim, and former Costa Rican President Oscar Arias.  Ambassador Pascual’s remarks were carried widely by local media.
 
During his visit the Ambassador had the opportunity to meet with several Rectors from the Tecnologico de Monterrey (TEC) and to learn more about the university’s educational system throughout Mexico. 

The Ambassador was also interviewed by Multimedios Television anchor Hector Benavides.  Ambassador Pascual spoke about security coordination between Mexico and the U.S., narco-violence and the Merida Initiative.  He also was asked about immigration and border crossings as they affect bilateral trade, and the U.S. financial crisis.
 
This was Ambassador Pascual’s second visit to Monterrey since arriving as Ambassador to Mexico in August.