Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
Laredo, Texas — Business leaders, academic representatives, and government authorities from Laredo, Texas, and Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, gathered for the Binational Auto Cluster Strategy Meeting, where the Rio South Texas Region Binational Auto Cluster was formally introduced. The initiative also launched its initial phase: the Rio South Texas Region Industrial Data System, a digital platform designed to centralize strategic information about manufacturing companies located in Northern Tamaulipas and South Texas.
According to organizers, the platform will “enable mapping of key industrial sectors, identify regional capabilities, and generate reliable data for investors,” making it a pivotal tool for strengthening cross-border competitiveness.
The meeting was organized with the support of the Council for South Texas Economic Progress (COSTEP), whose CEO, Adam Gonzalez, emphasized the importance of collaboration. “This initiative represents a key step toward strengthening economic and logistical integration between South Texas and Northern Tamaulipas,” Gonzalez said.
The event also brought in academic perspectives. Luis Antonio Pérez, Dean of the A.R. Sánchez, Jr. School of Business at Texas A&M International University, served as the first speaker. In his remarks, he welcomed participants and underscored the university’s commitment to bridging academia and industry.
“It is a pleasure to welcome you on behalf of the A.R. Sánchez, Jr. School of Business here at Texas A&M International University,” Pérez said. He expressed gratitude to Gonzalez for “this initiative of inviting us to participate in this great project,” adding that the School of Business aims to ensure “that academia and theory truly manifest in business and industry.”
Regional Growth Through Clusters
Reflecting on his professional experience in states such as North Carolina, Michigan, and Missouri, Pérez highlighted the proven benefits of industrial clustering. “I have seen how the industrial formation of clusters, this type of support, really does bring growth and a very meaningful impact to the respective regions,” he noted.
Pérez emphasized that the Sánchez School of Business seeks to serve as a partner in the effort: “We want to facilitate that, to take on that banner and provide the support so that we can succeed regionally. So, we are one of the important players, and I hope you will consider us essential in the future.”
The meeting emphasized the role of nonprofit, academic, and business organizations working alongside government authorities to shape the region’s future. Pérez acknowledged COSTEP’s leadership, stating, “Without them, none of this happens. And of course, the real stars are all of you—the industry—where true knowledge and practice occur.”
By positioning the Industrial Data System as a central source of information, the initiative is expected to provide actionable insights for policymakers, investors, and businesses alike. Leaders at the event framed it as both a practical tool and a symbol of binational cooperation.
As Pérez concluded, “Please think of us as facilitators in transmitting technology and knowledge so that this region continues to grow.”
