Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
MISSION – July 31, 2024 – Mission Mayor Norie Gonzalez Garza and Javier Villalobos welcomed the Governor of San Luis Potosí, Mexico, Ricardo Gallardo Cardona, to discuss trade opportunities and tour the $88 million commercial expansion of the Anzalduas International Bridge.
This visit follows a trade mission led by Mayor Garza to San Luis Potosí, accompanied by the Mission Economic Development Corporation team. During the week-long trip, Mission’s delegation engaged in an investment roundtable, attended an automotive conference, and met with state officials, including the Secretary of Economic Development, Jesús Salvador González Martínez, and the city’s economic development director, Jaime Chalita Zarur. Mayor Garza strengthened ties by signing a trade accord with the City of San Luis Potosí.
“This is a significant event for the City of Mission,” Garza remarked about Gallardo’s visit. “San Luis Potosí is a key player in Mexico’s automotive industry, and I’m honored Governor Gallardo accepted my invitation to explore new trade opportunities created by the expansion of the Anzalduas International Bridge.”
San Luis Potosí has a lot to offer. Last year, the Mexican state attracted ten automotive projects worth over $1.6 billion, positioning it as the third leading state in Mexico for auto industry investments. This mission aims to develop and integrate the Anzalduas International Bridge with Texas’ automotive industry.
“San Luis Potosí has capitalized on nearshoring through supportive government policies, a skilled workforce, and the establishment of automotive clusters,” noted Mission EDC CEO Teclo J. Garcia. “Our goal is to channel some of that investment to Mission via the Anzalduas International Bridge, which will soon offer trade partners a new, safe, and efficient gateway into the United States.”
During the visit, Gallardo was briefed on the bridge expansion and participated in a private tour with the mayors of Mission and McAllen. He also engaged in a closed-door roundtable with Rio Grande Valley leaders, including industrial park owners, elected officials, and other economic developers.
Governor Gallardo’s international delegation from Mexico visited the Anzalduas International Bridge to discuss connectivity and partnerships with McAllen and Mission, Texas. Gallardo highlighted the economic significance of the bridge expansion for San Luis Potosí.
Governor Gallardo emphasized the bridge’s crucial role in supporting economic efforts by the involved cities, noting it will be an economic boon for many companies facing challenges in mobility, exportation, and goods delivery to the United States. San Luis Potosí, exporting over $5 billion annually, will benefit from faster and more cost-effective logistics through the Anzalduas International Bridge, which includes a fast track with modern technology like X-rays. Once operational next year, 80-90% of companies in San Luis are expected to use the bridge, significantly improving the state’s economy.
Promoting Tourism in San Luis Potosí
Gallardo also promoted San Luis Potosí’s tourism potential, encouraging Rio Grande Valley residents to visit. He described San Luis as a magical city with much to offer, including the new Huasteca Riviera, set to compete with popular destinations like Tulum. The region features rivers, waterfalls, and turquoise waters, with a new airport in Tamuín offering nearby flights. Ecotourism, rock climbing, rappelling, and water sports provide exciting alternatives to familiar destinations.
Teclo Garcia, Mission’s Director of Economic Development, drove the initial meeting with San Luis. Gallardo noted that San Luis Potosí has over 600 companies, 80% involved in automotive exports, facing congestion at other bridges. The new bridge offers a chance to develop a dedicated logistics plan involving major companies like BMW, General Motors, Daikin, and Drexel Myers. Gov. Gallardo took the opportunity to announce an event planned with Mission and McAllen mayors to showcase the bridge’s benefits, including a dedicated export lane. The event will take place in Mission, Texas, and many guests will be the CEOs of the automotive cluster in San Luis Potosi.
Governor Gallardo praised Mayors Norie Gonzalez Garza and Javier Villalobos for their economic vision, highlighting their focus on community economic growth. He commended their commitment to the bridge project as a crucial economic initiative for Mission and McAllen and extended his respect and recognition to these mayors.
Updated August 2, 2024
