Rio South Texas Region

04/15/2026

Laredo Proclaims International Bridge Week: April 13–17, 2026

The City of Laredo has officially declared April 13-17, 2026 as International Bridge Week, recognizing the critical role its bridge system plays in connecting not only two nations, but entire economies, cultures, and opportunities.

Led by Mayor Dr. Victor D. Treviño, alongside City Council Members Melissa Cigarroa (District 3) and Alyssa Cigarroa (District 8), and Laredo Bridge System Director Elsa Hinojosa, the proclamation highlights the infrastructure and leadership that sustain one of the most dynamic trade corridors in the world.

Guest speaker Sidney “Sid” Mielke, P.E., Senior Project Manager at Structural Engineering Associates, shared insights on the evolution of the World Trade Bridge, reinforcing the long-term vision and engineering excellence that support this vital infrastructure.

In the photos:
Brenda Rentería (COMCE Laredo Chapter)
Elsa Hinojosa (Laredo Bridge System Director)
Alma Saldana (Assistant Director of Economic Development, COSTEP)
Olga de Angel (Laredo Bridge System Superintendent)
Jaime Ortiz (City of Laredo Economic Development Department)
Sidney “Sid” Mielke, P.E. (Structural Engineering Associates)

Rio South Texas Region. One Region. Two Countries. One Future.



City of Laredo - Government

04/13/2026

14.3 Million Jobs: Texas Grows, and the Rio South Texas Region Helps Power It

Texas continues to set the pace for economic expansion in the United States, reaching a new all-time high of 14.3 million total jobs after adding 40,100 nonfarm positions in January alone. Over the past year, the state has generated 112,200 new jobs, outperforming national growth rates and reinforcing its position as one of the most dynamic business environments in North America.

But growth at this scale doesn’t happen in isolation.

It is built on regions that move goods, connect markets, and enable companies to operate efficiently. The Rio South Texas Region is one of those regions.

Every day, thousands of trucks, supply chains, and production cycles move through this corridor, enabling companies to scale operations, reduce costs, and accelerate time to market. That operational efficiency translates directly into job creation across the state.

Texas’ nearly 16 million-strong labor force is one of its greatest competitive advantages. In the Rio South Texas Region, that advantage is amplified by a binational workforce, specialized training alignment, and proximity to key industrial ecosystems on both sides of the border.

As companies evaluate where to expand, relocate, or invest, the equation is clear:

Infrastructure + Workforce + Market Access = Scalable Growth

The Rio South Texas Region delivers all three.

Texas’ labor market expansion is not just a reflection of current momentum, it is a signal of future capacity. And regions like Rio South Texas are where that future is being built, every day.

Rio South Texas Region. One Region. Two Countries. One Future.



Texas Economic Development Corporation Texas Economic Development Alton EDC Greater Brownsville EDC Cameron County Economic Development Donna Economic Development Corporation Edinburg Economic Development Corporation Elsa Economic Development Corporation Harlingen Economic Development Corporation Hidalgo EDC Economic Development Laredo Economic Development Corporation McAllen Economic Development Corporation Pharr Economic Development Corporation Pharr EDC Foundation Weslaco Economic Development

04/10/2026

Building the Future of Innovation in the Rio Grande Valley

RGV Startup Week is activating the entrepreneurial ecosystem across the Valley, bringing together founders, investors, and industry leaders to exchange ideas, build connections, and accelerate growth.

As part of this regional momentum, Pharr will host one of the key sessions:

📍 Pharr, TX
🗓 Thursday, April 30

This is more than an event,it’s a platform to strengthen the innovation pipeline that supports the long-term competitiveness of the Rio South Texas Region.

Participants will gain access to:
• High-value insights from experienced speakers
• Meaningful connections with regional stakeholders
• Opportunities to engage with the Valley’s growing startup and business ecosystem

Free and open to the public
Register: rgvstartup.com

Rio South Texas Region. One Region. Two Countries. One Future.



Texas Economic Development Corporation Grapevine, Texas, Economic Development Office of the Governor Greg Abbott KPMG EY PwC CBRE Deloitte JLL Avison Young

04/08/2026

In this episode of the RGV Business Journal Podcast, Rick Carrera from COSTEP -Council for South Texas Economic Progress- breaks down what’s really happening in the Rio South Texas Region.

Key takeaway: This is not an emerging market… it’s an aligning one.

· A manufacturing ecosystem coming into focus
· A “manufacturing census” reshaping site selection
· Real industrial-scale investment, not small operations
· Workforce + proximity to Mexico = competitive advantage
· High quality of life through an affordable cost of living

And just as important: Water, power, and regional alignment will define who wins.

This is where North American manufacturing strategy is being redefined.

Watch the full episode at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=limti58aue8

hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag

Texas Economic Development Corporation Texas Economic Development Alton EDC Greater Brownsville EDC Cameron County Economic Development Donna Economic Development Corporation Edinburg Economic Development Corporation Elsa Economic Development Corporation Harlingen Economic Development Corporation Hidalgo EDC Economic Development Laredo Economic Development Corporation McAllen Economic Development Corporation Pharr Economic Development Corporation Pharr EDC Foundation

South Texas is building something bigger than most people realize.In this Rio Grande Valley Business Journal podcast episode, reporter Kristen Mosbrucker-Gar...

04/08/2026

COSTEP was present at the 2027 Texas Freight Mobility Plan Industry Workshop held in Laredo, Texas, bringing together key stakeholders to help shape the future of freight transportation across the state.

Representing COSTEP, Alma Saldana Cruz, Assistant Director of Economic Development, participated in this important session focused on gathering industry input, identifying freight needs, and aligning future expectations for a more efficient and competitive logistics system.

The workshop featured insights from key industry leaders, including Kale Driemeier (TxDOT), Joe Bryan (WSP), and Jeremy Upchurch (HNTB), who shared perspectives on freight needs, current conditions, and emerging trends shaping the future of mobility.

Discover why leading companies are choosing to grow in one of North America’s most strategic trade corridors. Visit https://riosouthtexasregion.com/ to learn more about opportunities in the Rio South Texas Region.

Rio South Texas Region. One Region. Two Countries. One Future.



Laredo College City of Laredo - Government Laredo Economic Development Corporation Texas Economic Development Corporation Texas Economic Development

04/06/2026

Close to a Billion Dollars a Day: Laredo, Texas

According to analysis by Daniel Covarrubias in his latest article in The Bridge, nearly $872.8 billion in U.S.-Mexico trade in 2025 is concentrated and 40% of that trade crosses through a single city: Laredo, Texas.

An $873 billion trade relationship between two nations, representing 470 million people,is funneled through a corridor in South Texas with a population of just 260,000.

At the World Trade Bridge alone:

-19,800 commercial trucks cross daily
-6 million trucks annually
-$970 million moves every day
-$40.5 million per hour
-$675,000 per minute

Within a 40-mile binational radius, the region integrates:

-500+ customs brokers
-500+ freight carriers
-300+ warehousing facilities
-30,000+ logistics jobs
-61 million sq. ft. of industrial space
-Direct connectivity to Monterrey via 140 miles of toll highway

On the Mexico side, Tamaulipas and Nuevo León contributes with:

· 1305 IMMEX manufacturing operations
· Nearly 660,000 direct workers

Trade policy is debated in Washington.
Trade reality happens in Rio South Texas Region.

Every:
· Tariff adjustment
· Inspection delay
· Rule-of-origin change

The upcoming July 2026 USMCA Joint Review will define the future of this system:

· Renewal
· Renegotiation
· Or a path toward sunset

What is at stake is not just trade volume, is the operational backbone of North American manufacturing.

This is not just a border. It is not just logistics.
It is a high-performance, binational production system operating in real time.

And it is already moving close to a billion dollars a day.

Companies don’t need to build this ecosystem. They can plug into it.

Rio South Texas Region offers direct access to one of the most efficient, scalable, and integrated trade corridors in the world.

Explore opportunities to expand your operations where trade actually happens: https://riosouthtexasregion.com



Laredo Economic Development Corporation Port Laredo Texas Economic Development Corporation Texas Economic Development Index Nacional Index Reynosa INDEX Nuevo Laredo Index Nuevo León Index Matamoros

04/02/2026

The first Friends of COSTEP meeting of 2026 brought valuable perspective to the Rio South Texas Region.

Hosted at the Cambria Hotel in McAllen, the session featured Carl Quesinberry, Site Selector at Avison Young, during his first visit to the Rio Grande Valley.

Titled “How Serious Capital Makes Financial Decisions,” the session delivered a clear and timely message for communities competing in today’s global investment landscape: Success depends on how effectively regions position their strengths, communicate their value, and invest in the infrastructure that supports growth.

The session also reflected the strength of regional collaboration, with participation from key partners, including: McAllen EDC, Elsa EDC, Donna EDC, San Juan EDC, Workforce Solutions, Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council Community & Economic Development, Los Fresnos EDC, PNC, LPS, Texas State Technical College (TSTC Harlingen), UTRGV TMAC, CODEM, Port of Brownsville, UTRGV Small Business Development Center (SBDC), and the UTRGV Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center (TMAC).

Together, these organizations represent a coordinated ecosystem committed to positioning the Rio South Texas Region as a competitive, investment-ready destination.

Rio South Texas Region: One Region. Two Countries. One Future.



Economic Development Corporation Elsa Economic Development Corporation Donna Economic Development Corporation San Juan County Economic Development & Visitor Services Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council PNC Texas State Technical College TMAC UTRGV CODEMatamoros Port of Brownsville, TX UTRGV - The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley UTRGV - The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

04/01/2026

Mexico Passed China as America’s #1 Trading Partner
and the Gap Has Already Reached $458 Billion

According to Daniel Covarrubias in The Bridge, Mexico has not only surpassed China as the United States’ top trading partner, it has expanded the lead to $458 billion, confirming a transformation that goes far beyond headlines.

In 2025, U.S.-Mexico trade reached $873 billion, driven primarily by high-value manufacturing, not low-cost labor. Machinery and computers lead with $216 billion, followed by vehicles and auto parts at $150 billion, and electrical machinery at $148 billion.

Even more telling is the bidirectional nature of this relationship:
· The U.S. exports $338 billion to Mexico
· Compared to just $106 billion to China

Laredo, Texas handles 39.5% of all U.S.–Mexico freight value, with $344.6 billion moving through a single corridor, more than the next five ports combined. El Paso, Texas follows with $139.3 billion.

Discover how to expand within the most dynamic trade corridor in North America: https://riosouthtexasregion.com/



Laredo Economic Development Corporation Index Nacional Index Nacional Index Nuevo León Index Reynosa Index Matamoros Texas Economic Development Corporation Texas Economic Development

03/27/2026

COSTEP and ANAPSA Sign Strategic MOU to Accelerate Binational Automotive Growth

The Rio South Texas Region takes another step forward in strengthening cross-border industry collaboration with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Adam Gonzalez and Alberto Bustamante.

This strategic agreement between COSTEP and ANAPSA aims to enhance connectivity between South Texas and Mexico’s automotive supplier network—unlocking new opportunities for nearshoring, supply chain integration, and advanced manufacturing investment.

For companies seeking to operate within a dynamic, binational ecosystem backed by strong industry alignment and execution-ready infrastructure, the Rio South Texas Region offers a clear competitive advantage.

Explore how your company can expand and grow in the Rio South Texas Region with COSTEP.

Rio South Texas Region: One Region, Two Countries, One Future.



Port of Brownsville, TX Greater Brownsville EDC Texas Economic Development Corporation Texas Economic Development

03/26/2026

Shaping the Future Workforce: COSTEP Aligns Education with Industry Demand in Rio South Texas Region

During the Spring 2025–2026 Building Leadership Toward College and Career Readiness Institute, organized by Region One Education Service Center (ESC) GEAR UP in collaboration with the National Council for Community and Education Partnerships (NCCEP), Adam Gonzalez, CEO of COSTEP, engaged directly with educators to bridge that gap.

His presentation focused on the COSTEP program of work, highlighting on-demand occupations across the Rio South Texas Region and the importance of aligning academic and training programs with the evolving needs of industry.

For companies looking to expand in the U.S., talent is not just available, it is being strategically developed.

Discover how your company can grow with a workforce built for the future in the Rio South Texas Region. Visit: https://riosouthtexasregion.com/

Rio South Texas Region: One Region, Two Countries, One Future



Region One Education Service Center Rio South Texas ECDF Texas Economic Development Corporation Texas Economic Development

03/26/2026

Rio South Texas Region Engages with Top Site Selectors in Atlanta

The Council for South Texas Economic Progress (COSTEP) continues strengthening its presence in the conversations that define where companies expand next.

Rick Carrera, Director of Economic Development for COSTEP, successfully concluded his participation at the Site Selectors Guild Spring Conference in Atlanta, one of the most influential gatherings of site selection professionals shaping investment decisions across North America.

Beyond reconnecting with leading site selectors and industry professionals, the experience generated what matters most: fresh perspectives, stronger relationships, and actionable ideas that will continue positioning the region as a competitive destination for global investment.

In a landscape where decisions are increasingly strategic, being present at the table is not optional, it’s essential.

Learn more about Rio South Texas Region at https://riosouthtexasregion.com/

Rio South Texas Region: One Region, Two Countries, One Future.



Edinburg Economic Development Corporation Laredo Economic Development Corporation Texas Economic Development Corporation Texas Economic Development

03/26/2026

COSTEP Hosts ANAPSA Delegation in the Rio South Texas Region

With the goal of strengthening binational collaboration and positioning the region as a strategic hub for the automotive industry, the Council for South Texas Economic Progress (COSTEP) welcomed a delegation from Mexico’s Asociacion Nacional de Proveedores del Sector Automotriz (ANAPSA).

The visit began in McAllen, Texas, where Alberto Bustamante, President of ANAPSA, and key industry representatives were received by Adam Gonzalez, CEO of COSTEP, for a welcome dinner launching a working agenda focused on showcasing the region’s logistics, industrial, and investment potential.

As part of the COSTEP Quick Tour, the delegation conducted a strategic visit to the Port of Brownsville, where Alma Saldaña presented COSTEP’s role in driving regional growth and attracting investment.

Read the full article, explore opportunities and start your expansion journey today at https://riosouthtexasregion.com/costep-anapsa-rio-south-texas-automotive-investment/



Port of Brownsville, TX Greater Brownsville EDC Texas Economic Development Corporation Texas Economic Development