McAllen Strengthens Business Ties with Monterrey to Attract International Companies

McAllen is seeking to strengthen its position as a gateway to the U.S. market for companies from Nuevo León through a strategy that combines business networking, institutional partnerships, and support for companies interested in expanding into the United States.

As part of this strategy, McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos and City representatives participated in the 2026 edition of Café Con Texas, a forum hosted by the World Trade Center (WTC) Monterrey that brought together entrepreneurs, business leaders, local government representatives, and economic development organizations from South Texas and Nuevo León.

During the event, McAllen representatives highlighted business opportunities in the city and held discussions with members of Monterrey’s business community about market trends, available resources, and programs designed to help international companies establish a presence in the U.S. market.

“In McAllen, we welcome international businesses. Over the years, our city has built a strong and stable foundation that allows businesses to thrive in one of the most competitive economies in the world,” said Mayor Javier Villalobos.

A Gateway to the U.S. Market

A key component of McAllen’s strategy is its pilot soft-landing program, designed to support international companies during the early stages of their expansion into the United States.

The program provides information and guidance to help companies navigate the process of establishing a U.S. presence, while also connecting business owners with industry experts and local business leaders.

For McAllen, these types of initiatives can help reduce some of the barriers international companies face when exploring opportunities in the U.S. market, while also strengthening the city’s business ecosystem.

Its proximity to Mexico and its connection to one of the region’s key industrial and trade corridors further position McAllen as a strategic location for companies seeking to develop cross-border operations.

A Partnership Dating Back to 2024

McAllen’s participation in Café Con Texas is part of an institutional relationship with WTC Monterrey–Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León that began taking shape in 2024.

That year, the City of McAllen and WTC Monterrey–UANL signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at promoting international business development and creating greater opportunities for companies in both regions to connect.

The agreement seeks to position McAllen as a business destination for WTC Monterrey members interested in expanding into the U.S. market.

Strengthening Business Connections Between Texas and Nuevo León

The strategy comes amid growing economic integration between northern Mexico and Texas, as companies look for new opportunities to expand their markets, establish operations, and strengthen their supply chains.

Against this backdrop, McAllen is pursuing a relationship that goes beyond traditional city promotion by developing concrete support mechanisms for companies interested in entering the U.S. market.

Through events such as Café Con Texas and partnerships with business organizations and educational institutions, the city aims to maintain dialogue with Nuevo León’s business community and create new opportunities for investment and collaboration.

McAllen said it will continue working with its partners in Mexico to strengthen business ties and create new opportunities for companies and communities on both sides of the border.