The development of Mexico and other Latin American countries depends on future economic policy and good education, former Mexican President Vicente Fox told the audience during his speech April 10 at the Victory Theatre.
The lecture was a part of the Institute for Global Enterprise’s International Speaker Series.
Fox said policies such as the North American Free Trade Agreement—which includes the U.S., Mexico and Canada—will need to be more competitive in order to adapt to a constantly changing political and economic climate across the globe.
In addition, he said NAFTA will reflect the relationship between each country—especially between the U.S. and Mexico.
Fox, whose administration brought democracy to Mexico, said although NAFTA has made member countries prosperous, countries like China are rapidly catching up in trade. As a result, he said U.S. and Mexican jobs are being sent overseas.
To counter this trend, Fox said NAFTA will require updates to once again make it dominant in the global market and encourage better associations between all countries involved.
He used the example of the European Union to show how NAFTA members can benefit from joining together.
“This means thousands of jobs for Americans and Mexicans alike,” he said.
But the road to improved economic prosperity is riddled with obstacles, including a border wall. Fox said the U.S. controversy over Mexican immigration is creating more problems than it is solving.
He said both countries have strong migrant backgrounds that have influenced political ideals and legislation of the past. But today’s leaders are beginning to reconsider these views, much to the detriment of others.
“The Berlin Wall didn’t work,” Fox said. “Sometimes I wonder what’s the fear here…But fear is not a good advisor.”
Fox said the barrier between the two countries inhibits not only labor and trade, but the transference of leadership as well. In response, many Latin American countries will need to foster their own leaders.
Fox said Latin American countries were unable to develop institutions that encourage leadership because of many years of dictatorial and foreign rule.
“But we woke up at the end of the 21st century,” Fox said, “and people started to change the government…and we went through change.”
During his administration, Fox said he saw poverty throughout Latin America decrease from 45 percent to 35 percent, including a 6 percent increase in standard of living.
“People began see hope,” he said. “We are on the right track now and we have to keep going.”
Fox said the key to maintaining this trend resides in improved education, making it an absolute necessity that students stay in school.
Even out of office, Fox is continuing to ensure education is a priority. Fox said his time away from politics has allowed him to focus his energy on these efforts.
He said he wishes to propose about $200 million in scholarships to give students incentives to continue their education.
These funds would come in forms ranging from cash rebates for supportive parents to funding for schools to purchase supplies and technology—like the Internet.
Fox also said he hoped this money would encourage teachers to make learning interesting, thereby making school an environment in which students want to be involved.
Overall, Fox said he believes educational reform will create strong future leaders for Latin America.
“Teaching is the essence of leadership,” he said. “Leaders can be placed anywhere and solve any problem.”
