COMPLIMENTARY EVENT - OPEN TO THOSE INTERESTED IN HSR DEVELOPMENT IN THE MIDWEST SEPTEMBER 23, 6:00 P.M. Chicago, August 27, 2010 – The Trade Commission of Spain in Chicago will host a roundtable discussion featuring high-speed rail (HSR) experts from the U.S. and Spain at the Instituto Cervantes of Chicago, 31 West Ohio St., on September 23 at 6:00 p.m.

For more information visit http://chicago.cervantes.es/en/default.shtm. As cities and regions worldwide continue to grow, transportation challenges related to urban planning, environmental quality, fuel prices, congestion, comfort and modernization increase as well. As a result, rail transportation is experiencing a revival. This dialog will feature both U.S. and Spanish HSR's leaders as they discuss the positive impact HSR technology has had in Spain´s cities, as well as how this technology has already begun to inspire HSR projects in the Midwest.

Panelists include Illinois State Representative and CREATE Program Leader, Elaine Nekritz; Executive Director, Rick Harnish, Midwest High Speed Rail Association; Director of International Projects, Juan Matías Archilla, RENFE, Spain’s national railway company; and a representative of a Spanish city with high-speed rail lines.

The panel discussion will be moderated by Trade Commissioner, María Fernandez, the Trade Commission of Spain in Chicago. Anyone interested in learning more about HSR development and how this technology addresses transportation and environmental issues in the Midwest is welcome to attend. For more information about the upcoming HSR roundtable event, contact Susana Mate, 312-644-1154, ext. 141, smate@comercio.mityc.es or Teresa Hernando at 312-335-1996, cultura@cervantes1.org.

For more information regarding Spanish HSR, contact chicago@mcx.es or visit http://www.spaintechnology.com. For more information about the Cervantes Institute visit http://chicago.cervantes.es/en/default.shtm.