SMITHFIELD, R.I. (WPRI) — Bryant University hosted business leaders, academics, government officials and entrepreneurs for its 2025 Global Trade Summit on Thursday and Friday.

The university said the summit allowed attendees "to explore global trade trends, emerging technologies, and new market opportunities."

Former 7-Eleven and Blockbuster CEO James Keyes was the keynote speaker. Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressman Seth Magaziner also spoke at the event.

This year's program included panel discussions on trade policy and the impact of artificial intelligence as well.

"Winning this AI war is crucial both from an economic competitiveness point of view and also a national security point of view," Magaziner told attendees during

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