Index and Laredo EDC Strengthen Binational Trade Dialogue at Pathways for Trade Symposium

The 32nd Annual Pathways for Trade Symposium reaffirmed Laredo’s position as the leading gateway for commerce between Mexico and the United States. Organized by the Laredo Economic Development Corporation (LEDC), the event brought together business leaders, government officials, and trade specialists to address the pressing challenges and opportunities shaping the global economy.

With a strong presence from both sides of the border, the symposium served as a forum to highlight the competitiveness of the maquiladora and export manufacturing industry, the strategic role of Laredo in logistics, and the shared vision of building a more resilient and innovative trade ecosystem. The participation of Index Nacional, Index Nuevo Laredo, and the Rio South Texas Region underscored the importance of collaboration in advancing investment, employment, and industrial growth across North America.

A Binational Platform for Trade Dialogue

The symposium’s central theme, “The New Era of Trade: Perspectives & Opportunities,” set the tone for a comprehensive exchange of ideas on how international commerce is being reshaped. Panel discussions addressed topics such as trade wars, tariffs, inflationary pressures, the rapid expansion of e-commerce, supply chain bottlenecks, cybersecurity, and disruptive technologies.

By convening stakeholders from multiple sectors, LEDC reaffirmed the event’s role as one of the most important platforms for discussing cross-border competitiveness. The 2025 edition highlighted how Laredo’s leadership in trade facilitation and industrial development positions the region as a critical player in the global economy.

Index’s Role in Strengthening Mexico’s Export Manufacturing

Representing the Mexican industrial sector, Humberto Martínez Cantú, President of Index Nacional, emphasized the pivotal role of export manufacturing in driving Mexico’s economic growth. He noted that maquiladora operations generate thousands of jobs, attract foreign investment, and enhance technological integration, making them an essential component of North America’s competitiveness.

At the same time, Enrique Morán, President of Index Nuevo Laredo, was recognized with the 2025 Pathways for Trade Ambassador Award for his leadership in promoting industrial efficiency, innovation, and binational cooperation. His recognition illustrates the growing relevance of Nuevo Laredo as an industrial hub and highlights Index’s ongoing efforts to strengthen ties between manufacturing companies and global value chains.

Rio South Texas Region: Advancing Regional Integration

The Rio South Texas Region reinforced its commitment to binational economic integration through the participation of Adam Gonzalez, CEO of COSTEP; Rick Carrera, Director of Economic Development; and Alma Saldaña Cruz, Assistant Director of Economic Development. Their contribution to the dialogue focused on promoting the region’s strengths: a highly skilled workforce, a diversified industrial base, and unmatched connectivity across seven counties in South Texas and 10 municipalities in Northern Tamaulipas.

By actively engaging in Pathways for Trade, the Rio South Texas Region showcased its capacity to attract high-value investment and presented itself as a strategic partner for global industries seeking to expand operations in North America. This regional vision reflects the growing interdependence between Mexican and U.S. supply chains, with Laredo at the center of the equation.

A Shared Vision for the Future of Trade

The Pathways for Trade Symposium made clear that the prosperity of North America relies on joint strategies that transcend borders. The collaboration between Index and Laredo EDC, combined with the active involvement of the Rio South Texas Region, reflects a shared commitment to building a competitive, innovative, and sustainable trade corridor.

With over $339 billion in trade processed in Laredo in 2024, the city reaffirmed its place as the number one land port in the United States by value of goods. The continued support of institutions such as Index and LEDC ensures that the maquiladora industry, logistics providers, and policymakers remain aligned in strengthening binational cooperation and preparing the region for the challenges of a rapidly evolving global market.