Rio South Texas Region

04/24/2026

A humanoid robot outrunning 12,000 humans in Beijing may look like the headline. It isn’t.

The real story is unfolding in Nuevo Leon, 140 miles south of Laredo´s World Trade Bridge: Réflex Robotics. Founded by MIT graduates. Announced it will build the first humanoid-robot manufacturing plant in Latin America.

As highlighted by Daniel Covarrubias, the marathon was not a breakthrough.

It was a public demo of a deployment curve already in motion.

Humanoid robotics is moving from headlines to factory floors:
• 90,000 components handled with 99% accuracy at BMW
• Active deployments by Tesla, Mercedes-Benz, and Hyundai
• Costs projected below $17,000 by 2030

And the shift is accelerating
• Adoption: 4% → 28% in five years
• 65% investing in AI
• 46% in robotics
• 90% facing workforce challenges

This is not theoretical. It’s geographic.

The Laredo corridor, moving nearly $400B in trade annually, is where Mexican manufacturing meets U.S. capital, infrastructure, and market access.

That equation is now being re-priced in real time.

Just as containerization reshaped global trade, physical AI is redefining North American competitiveness.

The question is no longer if this transformation will happen.
The question is: Who will be ready to lead it?

The race that matters is not the marathon. It’s the race to adapt.

Explore opportunities in one of North America’s most strategic trade corridors: https://riosouthtexasregion.com/

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



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 Weslaco Economic Development

04/20/2026

Beyond Goods: The $1 Trillion U.S.-Mexico Relationship Is Closer Than It Looks

Most headlines focus on goods trade. But that’s only part of the story.

In 2025, the United States traded $969.3 billion with Mexico when goods and services are combined, just $30.7 billion away from the $1 trillion mark, a threshold expected to be reached in 2026.

What’s often overlooked is the role of services trade:
· The U.S. traded $96.4 billion in services with Mexico
· Generated an $8.4 billion surplus, the highest in over a decade
· Driven by sectors like financial services, IP licensing, consulting, and digital services

At the same time, Mexico continues to dominate in goods movement, reinforcing its position as the primary physical trade partner of the United States.

While services currently represent just 9.9% of the U.S.-Mexico trade relationship, they are growing fast, and reshaping the balance of value creation.

Even more important:
· The U.S. services surplus with Mexico is expanding
· The same surplus with Canada is contracting

The Strategic Opportunity:
For investors, operators, and site selectors, this is the real takeaway:

North America is evolving from a manufacturing corridor into an integrated production + services platform.

And that transformation is happening fastest along the U.S.-Mexico border.

The Rio South Texas Region sits at the center of this convergence:
· A high-volume trade corridor for goods
· A growing platform for cross-border services, talent, and operations
· A region positioned to support both physical supply chains and intangible value flows

Discover how your operation can scale within one of North America’s most strategic trade corridors: https://riosouthtexasregion.com/

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



Texas Economic Development Corporation Texas Economic Development Secretaría de Economía Index Nacional

04/17/2026

Building the Workforce Behind Regional Growth

Yesterday, Adam Gonzalez represented the Rio South Texas Region at National Signing Day hosted by Texas State Technical College in Harlingen, Texas.

Through this collaboration with local school districts, students not only transition seamlessly into specialized training programs, but also receive scholarships that accelerate their path into high-demand careers.

The event brought together key regional stakeholders committed to workforce development, including COSTEP, RSTEF, Bechtel, Harlingen EDC, and Bert Ogden Auto Dealership Group.

As companies evaluate locations, workforce readiness is not a future advantage, it’s a present requirement. The Rio South Texas Region continues to deliver on both.

Join us in strengthening the future of the Rio South Texas Region.

Support the work of COSTEP and RSTEF as they advance workforce development, expand opportunity, and build the talent pipeline that drives regional growth.

Discover how your company can be part of this momentum, visit https://riosouthtexasregion.com and explore opportunities across one of North America’s most strategic regions.

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



Texas State Technical College TSTC in Harlingen Bechtel Corporation Harlingen Economic Development Corporation

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