COSTEP refuerza la integración regional durante su Annual Holiday Party

During its year-end event, Adam Gonzalez, CEO of COSTEP (Council for South Texas Economic Progress), emphasized the importance of binational and regional collaboration as a key driver for strengthening economic development in South Texas and Northern Tamaulipas.

The gathering brought together partners, organizations, and representatives from multiple sectors with the purpose of thanking them for their support throughout the year, while reaffirming the vision of regionalizing economic development across a community that spans seven counties in South Texas and ten municipalities in Northern Tamaulipas.

“This celebration is a way to thank all the friends and partners who have supported COSTEP and who share this vision of building a more integrated and competitive region,” said Gonzalez, stressing that regional growth is only possible through joint efforts.

Recognizing Regional Efforts

During his remarks, the CEO of COSTEP acknowledged the work of various organizations operating along the binational corridor—from Brownsville to Laredo, and from Nuevo Laredo to Matamoros—which, he said, are playing a critical role in strengthening the region’s economic positioning.

The event also served as a space for networking and reflection on the current moment facing the region, while reinforcing ties among stakeholders driving development projects, investment attraction, and job creation.

A Positive 2025 and Stronger Ties with Mexico

Looking back at the year, Adam Gonzalez described 2025 as a very positive period for COSTEP, marked by significant progress in its relationship with Mexico and the strengthening of strategic partnerships.

Among the key achievements, he highlighted the signing of memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with organizations such as CANACINTRA, INDEX Nacional, regional INDEX chapters, and the Metropolitan Cluster. These agreements have expanded cooperation and opened new opportunities for economic exchange.

“These agreements have delivered strong results and allow us to continue moving forward under a shared agenda,” he noted.

Regional Promotion and Investment Attraction

Gonzalez announced that in early 2026, COSTEP will host several events aimed at welcoming Mexican companies and organizations to showcase the region’s potential firsthand.

These activities will include regional tours, visits to industrial sites and available land, as well as networking sessions designed to connect visiting companies with local stakeholders and foster new business opportunities.

In this context, he explained that COSTEP, as a nonprofit organization, seeks to act as a regional host, providing close support to investors and companies so they can integrate more naturally into the local economic ecosystem.

“The idea is for them not to arrive as outsiders, but to already know people and feel at home when they visit or decide to invest in the region,” he emphasized.

A Call for Binational Collaboration

In closing, the CEO of COSTEP called for stronger collaboration among regions and organizations, underscoring that collective work is essential to attract more industry and generate shared benefits.

“The more we work together, the more we will achieve. Unity is strength, and that collaboration is essential to attract industry that benefits both the seven counties of South Texas and the ten municipalities of Northern Tamaulipas,” he concluded.

With this message, COSTEP reaffirmed its commitment to promoting an integrated regional vision that drives economic growth, job creation, and binational competitiveness.