Pathways for Trade 2026 Charts the Course for Laredo’s Logistics and Industrial Future

With an agenda focused on infrastructure, industry, innovation, and regional collaboration, the 33rd edition of Pathways for Trade: The North American Logistics & Manufacturing Symposium concluded after bringing together business leaders, experts, and representatives from the public, private, and academic sectors for three days. The event was organized by the Laredo Economic Development Corporation (LEDC).

Under the theme “Connecting the Americas: Infrastructure, Industry, Innovation,” the symposium addressed the transformation of supply chains and the opportunities for Laredo to move beyond its traditional role as a border crossing point and strengthen its position as a hub for distribution, manufacturing, and value-added services. This vision was present from the opening session, when Cliffe Killam, Chairman of the Board of LEDC, highlighted the need to continue investing in bridges, highways, railroads, water infrastructure, talent, and new production capabilities.

“For decades, Laredo has been known as the gateway, and we are proud of the role we play as the leading land port in the United States, but I firmly believe that Laredo and Webb County have a much greater opportunity than simply serving as a transfer point for goods.”

For his part, David A. Steadman, CEO of LEDC, noted that the trade flows moving through Laredo can become a platform for attracting higher-value activities, including assembly, finishing, packaging, warehousing, distribution, repair, supplier operations, technology, and professional services. The agenda explored this transformation from different perspectives, including international trade, infrastructure, workforce, rail transportation, nearshoring, and industrial real estate development.

“I am very excited by the enthusiasm of everyone here. It is not only a large crowd, but also a high-quality group made up of senior executives and people involved in trade, both nationally and specifically in the border region. I have never seen so much genuine enthusiasm for Laredo’s future,” he commented.

The commercial and industrial real estate sector was also part of the discussions, with the participation of Carlo A. Molano, President and CEO of FORUM Commercial Real Estate; Ben Escarcega Winebrenner, Partner at Kraus Development; Matthew Service, Commercial Director at Iron Horse Resources; and Ryan Steinbach, Vice President of Intermodal Sales at Union Pacific Railroad, who participated in the panel “Gateway to Growth: Rail, Industrial Development, and Laredo’s Next Freight Platform,” focused on the advantages of rail transportation.

The business perspective was also represented by Amanda Laabs, Chief Product Officer at Medline Industries, who discussed the evolution of the company’s operations in Laredo and the region’s importance to its supply chain. Medline has maintained a presence in the area for 36 years and operates activities related to the manufacturing of medical kits and other solutions for the U.S. market, demonstrating how border infrastructure can be integrated with specialized manufacturing and distribution.

Another highlight was the Site Tours sponsored by COSTEP, which took participants to the Laredo-Colombia Solidarity International Bridge, Mission Produce, and World Trade Bridge. The tours offered a practical perspective on the infrastructure and operations connecting South Texas with international markets, reinforcing the symposium’s focus on regional connectivity.

The agenda also incorporated a continental perspective with the participation of Ilvin Mendoza Carrasco, from the Ministry of Finance and Economy of the Dominican Republic, who discussed how connectivity can become a tool for promoting trade and regional development. This was complemented by sessions on workforce, innovation, mobility, international trade, and the future of trade relations among the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

During the event, the Texas A&M International University – Center for the Study of Western Hemispheric Trade and the Laredo College – Global Logistics Center were recognized as Pathways for Trade Ambassadors 2026 for their contributions to talent development and education related to international trade.

The 2026 edition also coincided with the 60th anniversary of Laredo EDC, making the event an opportunity to reflect not only on the current state of trade but also on the conditions Laredo will need for the coming decades. After 33 editions, Pathways for Trade reaffirmed its role as a platform connecting companies, institutions, and leaders around a shared vision for the economic development of Laredo and North American supply chains.