Rio South Texas Region

08/08/2025

Harlingen: The Strategic Logistics Gateway That Works For You

Harlingen, Texas, sits at the heart of the Rio South Texas Region—perfectly positioned to move goods faster, smarter, and more efficiently across the U.S. and Mexico. Its multimodal infrastructure, unbeatable border access, and pro-business environment make it a powerful ally for companies seeking to strengthen or expand their North American supply chains.

Fast-Track Access to Key Markets

Home to the quickest border crossing in South Texas via the Los Indios Bridge, Harlingen connects directly to over 400 maquiladora facilities in Reynosa and Matamoros. This proximity shortens delivery times, reduces transportation costs, and creates direct pathways into high-demand industrial hubs on both sides of the border.

The Most Cost-Efficient City in the U.S.

Ranked #1 least expensive urban area in the country by C2ER (Q1 2025), Harlingen offers exceptional value for both companies and employees. With low-cost utilities, labor, and real estate, businesses can optimize operational budgets while enjoying a high quality of life for their workforce.
Infrastructure That Keeps You Moving

Harlingen’s logistics ecosystem gives operators more options and greater control:

Port of Harlingen – Gulf & Atlantic access via the Intracoastal Waterway, direct rail, and heavy-haul routes into Mexico.

Valley International Airport (VIA) – NAFTA CargoPort™ with the longest runway south of Austin and Houston (9,400 ft), enabling heavier cargo loads.

Highway Connectivity – Immediate access to I69E, I69C, I2, and the Los Indios Bridge for rapid trucking.

Class I Rail Service – Available at the Port, Harlingen Aerotropolis, and Industrial Park for efficient heavy goods transport.

High-Speed Fiber – Connectivity from eight major Mexican carriers ensures digital precision for modern operations.

With its prime location, cost advantages, and a robust transportation network, Harlingen is more than a city—it’s a strategic launchpad for growth, trade, and competitiveness.

Harlingen works for logistics.
Harlingen works for trade.
Harlingen Works For You.

Learn more about the counties that make up the Rio South Texas Region at: https://riosouthtexasregion.com/



City of Harlingen Harlingen Economic Development Corporation The Greater Chamber of Harlingen Port of Harlingen Texas Economic Development Corporation The Altus Group AngelouEconomics Burns & McDonnell Crowe Horwath - Jordan EY Grant Thornton Bharat Grant Thornton US JLL Oxford Economics PwC

08/07/2025

COSTEP Engages with Regional Partners at Texas Small Business Summit in Pharr, TX.

Rick Carrera, COSTEP Director of Economic Development had a close and personal connection with resource partners and allies from the Texas Economic Development Corporation (TxEDC), UTRGV, SBA, LiftFund, STC, Workforce Solutions, and representatives from the private sector. A special highlight was reconnecting with Valerie Segovia, Vice President of Investor Relations at TxEDC, to discuss shared goals and future opportunities for the region.

Learn more and see photos of the event: https://riosouthtexasregion.com/costep-texas-small-business-summit-pharr-2025/



Pharr Economic Development Corporation Texas Economic Development Corporation UTRGV Small Business Development Center Alton EDC Harlingen Economic Development Corporation Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation Cameron County Economic Development Donna Economic Development Corporation Edinburg Economic Development Corporation Elsa Economic Development Corporation Hidalgo EDC Economic Development Laredo Economic Development Corporation McAllen Economic Development Corporation Weslaco Economic Development Angela R. Burton

COSTEP joined the Texas Governor’s Small Business Summit in Pharr, TX, strengthening ties with TxEDC, UTRGV, SBA, LiftFund, and more.

08/06/2025

Friends of COSTEP Lunch & Learn. A Room Full of Strategy, Insight and Collaboration.

We were thrilled to welcome a full house of regional economic development professionals to our latest Lunch & Learn session, focused on RFI Best Practices, a crucial topic for our shared mission of driving smart growth and meaningful investment across Rio South Texas Region.

Special thanks to Mr. Sean Ferguson, from the Texas Office of Economic Development & Tourism, for his clear and valuable perspective, and to Mr. Michael Camden from Ryan, for making the trip south and offering a sharp view from the site selector’s seat.

Our sincere gratitude to Harlingen EDC for hosting us in their space, and as always, to our Board of Directors and generous Sponsors, whose continued support powers everything we do.

Let’s keep building, learning, and working—together—for the future of Rio South Texas Region.

Learn more and see photos of the event: https://riosouthtexasregion.com/rfi-best-practices-lunch-learn-rio-south-texas/



Texas Economic Development Corporation Harlingen Economic Development Corporation McAllen Economic Development Corporation Pharr Economic Development Corporation Edinburg Economic Development Corporation Weslaco Economic Development Elsa Economic Development Corporation Donna Economic Development Corporation Hidalgo EDC Economic Development Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation Port of Brownsville, TX

08/04/2025

Edinburg Joins the Rio South Texas Region´s Binational Autocluster

As North America’s first binational automotive cluster gains momentum, the City of Edinburg —the fastest-growing city in Rio South Texas Region— steps into a pivotal role, offering land, talent, and cross-border connectivity to drive the future of mobility.

Located in the heart of the Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg is strengthening its position within the Rio South Texas Region Binational Autocluster, a landmark initiative that unites South Texas and Northern Tamaulipas into a powerful industrial corridor. This cross-border collaboration is designed to attract strategic investment, build resilient supply chains, and cultivate a skilled workforce for the automotive and advanced manufacturing industries.

Learn more: https://riosouthtexasregion.com/edinburg-binational-autocluster/



City of Edinburg-Government Edinburg Economic Development Corporation Texas Economic Development Corporation The Altus Group AngelouEconomics Burns & McDonnell Crowe Horwath - Jordan EY Grant Thornton Bharat Grant Thornton US JLL Mortenson Oxford Economics PwC

08/02/2025

Driving the Future of Binational Automotive Collaboration

Rio South Texas Region is proud to launch a new chapter in industrial integration with the official presentation of the Binational Autocluster. This powerful initiative brings together key players from both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border to accelerate innovation, streamline supply chains, and create cross-border opportunities in one of the world’s most dynamic automotive corridors.

From OEMs to suppliers, educational institutions to economic developers, the RSTBAC is more than a network—it’s a movement. One that amplifies our shared strengths, talent, and infrastructure across the Rio South Texas Region.

Watch the video and discover how Rio South Texas Region Binational Autocluster Works For You.

Learn more at https://lnkd.in/dmC2NVAB



Alton EDC Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation Port of Brownsville, TX City of Brownsville, TX - Municipal Government UTRGV - The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Cameron County Economic Development Donna Economic Development Corporation City of Edinburg-Government Edinburg Economic Development Corporation Elsa Economic Development Corporation Harlingen Economic Development Corporation Port of Harlingen Hidalgo EDC Economic Development of Laredo - Government City of McAllen TX Government Laredo Economic Development Corporation City of McAllen TX Government McAllen Economic Development Corporation McAllen Foreign Trade Zone City of Pharr Pharr Economic Development Corporation Pharr EDC Foundation Starr Camargo Bridge Co. Pharr International Bridge StarrCounty Industrial of Rio Grande City, Texas Rio Grande Valley Partnership Texas Economic Development Corporation Texas National Bank Lone Star National Bank

07/30/2025

Brownsville Accelerates Through Rio South Texas Region’s Binational Autocluster

Brownsville is taking the driver’s seat in a bold new era of industrial collaboration through the Binational Automotive Cluster of the Rio South Texas Region, launched earlier this year. This initiative strategically connects key communities across South Texas and Northern Tamaulipas to boost regional competitiveness in the global automotive supply chain.

Brownsville: A Strategic Logistics Hub

Brownsville brings unmatched infrastructure assets to the cluster:
3 international bridges facilitating direct commercial flow with Matamoros
A deepwater port with a projected $2 billion expansion, including the Brazos Island Harbor Channel deepening project
Class I rail service with direct access to Mexico
Immediate access to I-69E, connecting the Gulf Coast to major U.S. markets
1 SpaceX Spaceport
A 40-year history in advanced manufacturing
These advantages make Brownsville a key logistics and industrial gateway within the Binational AutoCluster.

Learn more about Brownsville and Rio South Texas Region at https://lnkd.in/gaE3k45s



City of Brownsville, TX - Municipal Government Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation Texas Economic Development Corporation Texas National Bank
Lone Star National Bank CBRE Cushman & Wakefield Deloitte Goldstone Consulting Group JLL KPMG U.S. Savills

07/30/2025

Canacintra Nacional Signs Strategic Alliance to Join the Binational Strategy of Rio South Texas Region

This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishes a cooperation framework between CANACINTRA and the Council for South Texas Economic Progress (COSTEP) to develop joint activities, programs, and projects that promote competitiveness, investment, trade, training, and institutional strengthening in the Rio South Texas Region.

Through this alliance, COSTEP and CANACINTRA Sede Nacional become a bridge connecting the Rio South Texas Region with Canacintra delegations across Mexico, which will now have COSTEP as a facilitator and guide for companies seeking entry into the United States.

See the photographs of the event and Learn more at https://lnkd.in/gxydE4ud

Rio South Texas Region Works For You.



CANACINTRA Sede Nacional CANACINTRA Matamoros CANACINTRA Hermosillo Canacintra San Juan del Río CANACINTRA León Canacintra Uruapan Canacintra Mazatlán CANACINTRA Morelia Cobifer O&P Group Sergio Gracia Mexico Industry INEGI Informa Edinburg Economic Development Corporation Coparmex Nacional Trancasa Uni-trade Stadium CIL Commodities Integrated Logistics LPS International Law Firm CODEMatamoros Asociación de Maquiladoras de Matamoros, A.C. Index Reynosa

07/26/2025

Reynosa Joins the Rio South Texas Region Binational Automotive Cluster Strategy

Business leaders from Reynosa officially joined the Rio South Texas Region Binational Autocluster, a strategic initiative designed to attract investment, expand cross-border industrial collaboration, and position our region as a key player in the global automotive sector.

With the launch of the Rio South Texas Region Industrial DataSystem, the region is taking a bold step forward in industrial intelligence and integration.

See the photographs of the event and Learn more at https://lnkd.in/gkEfkUkf

Rio South Texas Region Works For You.



Cobifer O&P Group Sergio Gracia Mexico Industry INEGI Informa Edinburg Economic Development Corporation; Coparmex Nacional Trancasa Uni-trade Stadium CIL Commodities Integrated Logistics LPS International Law Firm CODEMatamoros
Asociación de Maquiladoras de Matamoros, A.C.
Index Reynosa

07/24/2025

Rio South Texas Region is Pro-Business, Pro-Growth, Pro-You.

In Rio South Texas Region, doing business isn’t just welcomed — it’s actively enabled. Companies that choose this region benefit from one of the most favorable business climates in North America, combining regulatory agility with cost efficiency that’s hard to match.

Streamlined regulations mean fewer bureaucratic hurdles and faster permitting processes, so your operations can move from plan to ex*****on without unnecessary delays.

No corporate income tax at the state level in Texas allows companies to reinvest more of their earnings into growth and innovation.

Lower energy costs and affordable industrial land provide a tangible edge, especially for manufacturers and logistics firms.

Proximity to key trade corridors and major ports of entry with Mexico simplifies cross-border operations and reduces transportation costs.

Custom-tailored incentive packages at the local and state level reward capital investment and job creation.

Here, public and private stakeholders work together to support your success. This is not just a place to set up operations — it’s a place to thrive, scale, and lead.

If you’re looking for a region that empowers your business strategy with practical advantages, Rio South Texas Region is Pro-Business, Pro-Growth — and Pro-You.

Rio South Texas Region Works For You.



CBRE Cushman & Wakefield Deloitte Goldstone Consulting Group JLL KPMG U.S. Savills

07/23/2025

Progress Supervision Ahead
of Matamoros Port Opening

As part of the final preparations for the launch of operations at the Puerto de Matamoros, scheduled for August 1st, a formal supervision visit was conducted by Mexico’s General Directorate of the Navy. The goal was to inspect and validate that dredging, signage, infrastructure, and logistics systems meet all technical and regulatory standards.

The visit included directors, technical specialists, and key representatives from the logistics and trade ecosystem, including Adam Gonzalez, CEO of COSTEP, whose presence underscored the strategic importance of the port as a new logistics hub for international trade and a key asset in the region’s economic development.

Photo 1
Gerzon Moisés Esparza Rodríguez, Commercial Director of the Puerto del Norte Terminal in Matamoros; Raúl Amador, President of EMAAC (Empresarios México-Alemanes A.C.); DAVID GARCÍA ARGÜELLES, President of the Consejo Coordinador Empresarial Reynosa; Oscar Macario Farías García, President of CANACINTRA Matamoros; Iris García Silva, Head of the Permits Department and Coordinator of the Port-City Liaison Program; Sergio Gracia Badiola, CEO of Mexico Industry ®; Adam Gonzalez, CEO of COSTEP; René Xavier González, President of CODEMatamoros; Francisco Peña, President of the AEM Greater McAllen Area Chapter Asociacion de Empresarios Mexicanos US-Mexico; Miguel Ángel Vázquez, Representative of EVENTOS NUEVO LAREDO; and Juan Carlos Ocejo Perez, General Director of the Puerto del Norte Terminal.

Photo 2
From left to right: Francisco Peña, from the Mexican Business Association, McAllen Chapter; Adam Gonzalez, CEO of COSTEP; Raúl Amador, President of the Mexico-Germany Chamber of Commerce; Óscar Macario Farías García, President of CANACINTRA Matamoros; and Gustavo Guzmán, Director of the Puerto de Matamoros.

Raudel Garza - Edinburg EDC Orlando Campos Francisco Almaraz

07/22/2025

Rio South Texas Region Binational Automotive Cluster
Presented to Matamoros Business Sector

With strong interest from the local business community, the Rio South Texas Region Binational Automotive Cluster was formally introduced in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico. This strategic initiative aims to position the region as a key hub for the automotive industry, leveraging the economic and logistical integration between northern Tamaulipas and southern Texas.

The event was opened by Oscar Macario Farias Garcia, President of CANACINTRA Matamoros, who emphasized the importance of strengthening binational ties through institutional and business collaboration with a long-term vision for regional development.

Adam Gonzalez, CEO of , presented the Cluster’s objectives, focused on aligning and connecting automotive manufacturing industries on both sides of the border to jointly promote the region as a destination for national and international investment and business expansion.

Sergio Gracia Badiola, CEO of Mexico Industry ®, encouraged local companies to actively participate in the project, highlighting the value of sharing capabilities and information to strengthen the industrial network and increase its visibility and appeal to major industry players.

The event brought together key organizations such as CODEM , Consejo Coordinador Empresarial MX Oficial, BTA México, COPARMEX, CANACAR., and EVENTOS CANACINTRA NUEVO LAREDO, reinforcing a shared commitment to building a competitive, interconnected, and forward-looking binational industrial ecosystem.



Alton EDC Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation Port of Brownsville, TX City of Brownsville, TX - Municipal Government, UTRGV Entrepreneurship & Commercialization Center - UTRGV - The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Cameron County Economic Development Donna Economic Development Corporation City of Edinburg-Government Edinburg Economic Development Corporation Elsa Economic Development Corporation Harlingen Economic Development Corporation Port of Harlingen Hidalgo EDC Economic Development City of Laredo - Government City of McAllen TX Government Laredo Economic Development Corporation City of McAllen TX Government McAllen Economic Development Corporation McAllen Foreign Trade Zone City of Pharr Pharr Economic Development Corporation Pharr EDC Foundation Starr Camargo Bridge Co. Pharr International Bridge StarrCounty Industrial City of Rio Grande City, Texas Rio Grande Valley Partnership Rio Grande Valley Partnership Texas Economic Development Corporation IBC Bank Texas National Bank Lone Star National Bank Workforce Solutions

07/22/2025

COSTEP Welcomes Alma Saldaña Cruz as Assistant Director of Economic Development

COSTEP, Council for South Texas Economic Progress proudly announces the appointment of Alma Saldaña Cruz as its new Assistant Director of Economic Development. A creative strategist and award-winning marketing professional, Mrs. Saldaña Cruz brings over a decade of cross-border experience in economic development, branding, and public sector outreach.

A native of Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mrs. Saldaña Cruz holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design from Universidad Valle de México and a Certification in Public Management from Texas A&M International University. Her binational perspective and deep understanding of the South Texas–Northern Mexico region uniquely position her to advance COSTEP’s mission of economic collaboration and regional growth.

During her impactful tenure as Marketing Manager for Port Laredo, Mrs. Saldaña Cruz launched the “We Keep the World Moving” campaign, which was recently awarded 1st Place in the 2025 International Economic Development Council (IEDC) Excellence in Economic Development Awards under the Printed Promotional Category, a prestigious international recognition of innovation and impact.

Prior to her work in the public sector, she led marketing, branding, editorial, and promotional design initiatives for organizations across the medical, retail, and news/communications industries. Her career is defined by results-driven strategy, creative leadership, and a passion for regional development.

Ms. Saldaña Cruz stated, “I am honored to join COSTEP and continue working to elevate our region’s economic potential. As someone raised along the border, I understand the power of binational collaboration and creative strategy to drive real progress. I look forward to building stronger connections and opening new opportunities for South Texas.”

Mrs. Saldaña Cruz officially joined COSTEP in July 2025 and will oversee regional business attraction efforts and stakeholder engagement initiatives.

Alton EDC Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation Port of Brownsville, TX City of Brownsville, TX - Municipal Government - The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Cameron County Economic Development Donna Economic Development Corporation City of Edinburg-Government Edinburg Economic Development Corporation Elsa Economic Development Corporation Harlingen Economic Development Corporation Port of Harlingen Hidalgo EDC Economic Development of Laredo - Government City of McAllen TX Government Laredo Economic Development Corporation City of McAllen TX Government McAllen Economic Development Corporation McAllen Foreign Trade Zone City of Pharr Pharr Economic Development Corporation Pharr EDC Foundation Starr Camargo Bridge Co. Pharr International Bridge StarrCounty Industrial City of Rio Grande City, Texas Rio Grande Valley Partnership Texas Economic Development Corporation IBC Bank Texas National Bank Lone Star National Bank Workforce Solutions