ANAPSA and COSTEP Strengthen Binational Industrial Cooperation with MOU in South Texas

With the goal of fostering strategic dialogue and showcasing the capabilities, infrastructure, and competitive advantages of the Rio South Texas Region, COSTEP, Consejo para el Progreso Económico del Sur de Texas, welcomed a delegation from the Asociación Nacional de Proveedores del Sector Automotriz (ANAPSA), composed of key representatives from Mexico’s automotive supplier industry.

The visit aimed to position South Texas as an integrated economic ecosystem with favorable conditions for Mexican companies seeking to expand into the U.S. market. Through this agenda, participants gained first-hand insight into available options for establishing operations, including incentives, soft-landing services, infrastructure, logistics, and real estate costs, while also exploring supplier linkages with companies already operating in the region.

A regional ecosystem with binational reach

The “quick tour” agenda included presentations, meetings with economic development organizations, and dialogue sessions designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the regional industrial ecosystem—from Laredo to Brownsville, and on the Mexican side from Matamoros to Nuevo Laredo.

The region currently hosts 176 manufacturing companies serving the automotive sector, highlighting its role as a strategic platform for binational supply chains.

This engagement concluded with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between ANAPSA and COSTEP, aimed at strengthening industrial collaboration and fostering new economic development opportunities across both countries.

Long-term collaboration beyond investment attraction

During the visit, Adam Gonzalez, CEO of COSTEP, emphasized that these initiatives go beyond attracting investment, focusing instead on building long-term relationships between complementary industrial ecosystems.

In turn, Alberto Bustamante, President of ANAPSA, described the mission as highly successful, highlighting the value of engaging with key regional stakeholders and understanding incentives, infrastructure, and the strategic importance of proximity to the Port of Brownsville.

Panel highlights expansion opportunities for Mexican companies

As part of the closing activities, a panel moderated by Rick Carrera, Director of Economic Development at COSTEP, brought together:

• Ralph García, Vice President of Operations at McAllen Economic Development Corporation
• Jeffrey Salcedo, Business Development Manager at Edinburg Economic Development Corporation
• Steve M. Valdez, CEO of Weslaco Economic Development Corporation

Panelists discussed the region’s advantages for Mexican companies seeking U.S. expansion, as well as incentive programs available across different cities.

Legal, customs, and logistics frameworks support expansion

The agenda also featured insights from Irma Guerra of LPS International, who outlined the legal processes required to establish operations in the United States and highlighted the growing interest among Mexican companies in expanding into South Texas.

From the trade facilitation perspective, Sandra Barboza presented the benefits of Foreign Trade Zone No. 12, while Abraham Guerra, President of IDL, addressed the impact of new customs regulations and tariffs on the automotive industry.

A new step toward binational industrial integration

The signing of the MOU represents a key milestone in advancing a binational industrial agenda. Through this collaboration, ANAPSA and COSTEP establish a framework to expand knowledge exchange, strengthen supply chains, and unlock new investment opportunities on both sides of the border.