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HOUSTON, Oct. 28 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- In association with the World Affairs Council of Houston, the global law firm of Thompson & Knight LLP has announced the sponsorship of a continuing series of presentations and lectures on the rapidly changing business environment of Latin America. The Latin American Business Outlook series will cover a range of topics of interest for the business and investment community.

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For the initial program of the series on November 5, 2009, Enrique Sira of IHS CERA will speak about the ongoing transformation of the energy industry in Mexico and other countries throughout Latin America. Mr. Sira is a director at IHS CERA, leading their Andean Energy and Mexico Energy advisory services. Many nations in Latin America are experiencing a decline in oil and gas production due to a lack of capital investment and other restrictions. Mr. Sira will discuss the recent and proposed changes in energy regulations in Mexico and give more specific projections about the future of the energy industry in that country. He will also address how the energy sector is fairing in other Latin American countries.

"Houston is in a unique position to capitalize on the opportunities across Latin America, but we must remain informed of the changing regulations, politics, and economics," said Thompson & Knight partner Jose Valera, who helped establish the series. "As a gateway to Latin America, Houston is an ideal venue for programs such as these. However, because of the scope of the series the audience is not necessarily limited to the Houston business community."

The second program of the series is scheduled for January 19, 2010, and will cover the economic outlook for the region with the Chief Economist for Latin America at the World Bank, Augusto de la Torre.

Other programs in the series will be held throughout the coming year. All meetings will be held at the downtown Houston offices of Thompson & Knight and are open to the Council's corporate members. For more information contact the Council office at 713-522-7811.

The World Affairs Council presents all sides of current global issues, promotes better understanding of international relations and contributes to national and international policy debates. Membership is open to the public. To attend, call 713-522-7811 or visit www.wachouston.org for more information.

SOURCE World Affairs Council of Houston