Global Business Perspectives

Last Friday, I attended a speech at my former alma matter, Wayne State University where the former president of Mexico, Vicente Fox spoke about his new book. He highlighted several very “hot” topics here in the U.S. and the Detroit Region; globalization and immigration. He spoke to a packed house of people from all backgrounds and colors. 

Vicente fox’s public speaking and English skills were both captivating and excellent.  His very easy approach to the speech made the crowd very attentive.  After Fox’s phone rang in his pocket (by mistake) the crowd was in the palm of his hand. He began by talking about migration of humans and how the U.S. is founded on migration.  He said migration has been happening since Adam and Eve left the garden of Eden.    He has a point…

His own family story is one of migration.  His great grandparents migrated from Germany to Ohio and his grandfather migrated from Ohio to Mexico. 

So many folks around town talk badly of globalization and outsourcing but often the other side of global business is not talked discussed.  Fox said that Mexico has the 7th largest trading balance with the U.S. and that Mexicans purchase over $250 billion dollars worth of U.S. products annually.  Having Mexico successful as a neighbor would only mean more exports from us. Fox also talked about a very controversial unified North American region with a single currency. 

Fox received a standing ovation and followed up his speech with questions from the audience that were a bit charged.  Overall, he has some interesting thoughts on trade and the Americas.  What do you think?