Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
Following the recent national agreement between the National Chamber of the Transformation Industry (CANACINTRA) and Pharr, the San Luis Potosí delegation of CANACINTRA formalized a collaboration to strengthen small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and energize strategic clusters in the state.
“We believe that this strong relationship can drive economic development across this entire logistics corridor, both in San Luis Potosí and in Texas,” emphasized Lic. Imelda Elizalde Martínez, President of CANACINTRA San Luis Potosí.
The plan includes business-to-business meetings, forums, and business tourism, connecting supply and demand in the automotive, medical, logistics, and industrial sectors.
Last week, the Pharr Economic Development Corporation (PEDC) and CANACINTRA San Luis Potosí officially signed a collaboration agreement to strengthen economic ties between Mexico and the United States through investment projects, capital attraction, and business development initiatives.
“This agreement opens up opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and strategic sectors, including logistics, automotive, medical, and manufacturing,” said Victor Pérez, President and CEO of the Pharr EDC. He emphasized that the partnership reflects a forward-looking approach to cross-border economic collaboration.
Lilvette Santos, Director of Business Development at the Pharr EDC, added that the partnership will also “promote business relations, forums, business tourism, and inter-company meetings,” highlighting the role of people-to-people connections in fostering economic activity.
The agreement represents more than a formality. According to both organizations, it is a step toward developing a binational cooperation model aimed at attracting investment and generating shared economic well-being. “Through open dialogue and mutual understanding, we laid the groundwork for future partnerships,” Santos noted.
For U.S. audiences, understanding CANACINTRA is key to recognizing the importance of this collaboration. Founded in 1941, CANACINTRA is Mexico’s largest business chamber, representing over 50,000 companies in the industrial and manufacturing sectors. Its mission is to promote industrial development, support SMEs, and advocate for policies that strengthen the Mexican economy. By working with Pharr EDC, CANACINTRA brings Mexico’s industrial base closer to U.S. partners and markets.
The Pharr EDC has been active in recent years in positioning the City of Pharr, located on the U.S.-Mexico border in South Texas, as a hub for trade and investment. The city already manages one of the busiest international bridges for produce and goods entering the United States. Its economic development strategies include promoting logistics infrastructure, expanding industrial parks, and facilitating foreign direct investment. By collaborating with Mexican counterparts, Pharr EDC aims to translate local economic growth into regional cooperation that benefits the wider Rio Grande Valley and neighboring Mexican states.
“This visit was more than just a diplomatic effort — it was about forging authentic relationships and aligning on shared goals that will benefit both sides of the border,” Pérez said.
As cross-border trade between the U.S. and Mexico continues to expand—Mexico recently becoming the United States’ top trading partner—the Pharr–CANACINTRA agreement reflects how local and regional actors play a pivotal role in driving binational economic integration. By bridging businesses, industries, and governments across borders, the partnership highlights the interconnected future of North American trade.
