Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
As we live in an era marked by increasing globalization and interconnected economies, cross-border collaboration has never been more critical. Teclo Garcia, the dynamic Chief Executive Officer of the Mission Economic Development Corporation, has emerged as a vital figure in this landscape, mainly through his recent participation in a significant meeting in Mexico City representing Mission Texas. The conference, led by the NASCO Network, brought together a diverse group of stakeholders from Mexico, Canada, the US, and various private and public sector groups to discuss trade, foreign investment, and the intricacies of the USMCA regulations.
Garcia’s engagement at the meeting and his reflections shared through a LinkedIn post have garnered attention and acclaim from high-ranking industry officials. His acknowledgment of the productive discussions held at the Canadian Embassy, under the management of NASCO’s Rachel Connell, highlights the importance of in-person dialogues in fostering mutual understanding and cooperation among North America’s economic partners.
The meeting discussed a wide range of topics, including USMCA regulations and policy, border infrastructure, and strategies for improving commercial border crossings. These are critical areas of focus, especially considering the ongoing trend of nearshoring and the deep economic ties between Texas, the Rio Grande Valley (RGV), and Mexico. Garcia pointed out that the issues discussed significantly impact the regional economies, underlining the importance of such meetings for future economic collaboration and development.
NASCO, the only tri-national network of North American governments, businesses, and educational institutions, plays a crucial role in enhancing the competitiveness of the North American supply chain and addressing the skilled workforce gap. The organization’s efforts to facilitate collaboration along commercial corridors and trade networks are vital for the region’s economic well-being.
Francisco J. Peña-Valdés, a recognized expert in the field, echoed Garcia’s sentiments, emphasizing the significance of how economic partners interact and the imperative need for security in economic events. Peña-Valdés highlighted the importance of border infrastructure improvements for facilitating trade and ensuring the secure movement of goods across borders. Such enhancements, he noted on LinkedIn, are directly beneficial to regional economies and industries, urging continued efforts to thrive in Texas and the RGV region.
Alex Meade, Executive Vice President of Economic Development at Texas Regional Bank, supported Garcia’s comments by “liking it,” further validating the significance of the discussions held at the NASCO meeting. Garcia’s peers’ positive reception of his insights underscores his leadership and experience in fostering cross-border economic collaborations.
Looking ahead, the 2024 NASCO Reunion marks an important upcoming event, celebrating the 30th anniversary of this influential organization. The reunion will serve as a crucial platform for U.S., Canada, and Mexico business and political leaders to discuss the future of North American trading relationships. Garcia’s participation and the insights he brings from his experiences promise to contribute significantly to the discussions and outcomes of this landmark meeting.
Teclo Garcia’s efforts and the collaborative endeavors of NASCO and other stakeholders represent a bright future of economic development in North America. Through continuous engagement, dialogue, and collaboration, they are laying the groundwork for a more interconnected and prosperous region.
