Strategic alliance with World Trade Center Monterrey strengthens business expansion in McAllen, Texas

The City of McAllen, Texas, continues to forge strong alliances aimed at positioning itself as the leading destination for business and investment in South Texas. By facilitating international business expansion, McAllen is building bridges that enhance its global competitiveness. As part of this initiative, a business mentoring and networking session was recently held at the World Trade Center at the Autonomous University of Nuevo León (UANL, by its acronym in spanish) in Monterrey, Mexico.

This event was designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) pursuing international growth and organizational development. Business leaders, entrepreneurs, faculty members, and a keynote speaker gathered at the BBVA Spark Space to engage in knowledge-sharing and strategic dialogue. Francisco Puente, co-founder and CEO of Wherex, an enterprise software company, delivered a keynote address highlighting global market insights, emerging industry trends, and effective business solutions.

This collaboration, underscoring the value of strategic partnerships, stems from a memorandum of understanding signed in August 2024 by McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos, UANL’s Secretary of International Relations Sandra González, and Dr. Eugenio Reyes, Director of the World Trade Center Monterrey. The agreement aims to foster economic growth and business development, positioning McAllen as the premier business location in South Texas for WTC Monterrey members seeking entry into the U.S. market.

According to data from real estate tech firm CoWorking Café, McAllen ranks 9th among the top 10 U.S. cities for small businesses, making it an attractive destination for companies looking to expand into American markets.

“McAllen is the economic epicenter of the Rio Grande Valley and a key international hub for trade and foreign investment,” stated McAllen City Manager Isaac J. Tawil. “It stands out as a prime destination for businesses seeking international expansion. Collaborations with prominent institutions like the World Trade Center Monterrey highlight the city’s proactive efforts to create opportunities in foreign markets and strengthen its presence in critical business communities.”

The City of McAllen is actively implementing measures to attract foreign investment and accelerate business expansion through its initiative, McAllen Means International Business.This program promotes the city as South Texas’ top destination for business and investment. Additionally, McAllen’s soft landing program is designed to empower foreign entrepreneurs by streamlining entry processes and providing essential information for a smooth integration into the local business ecosystem. The program ensures access to industry experts and business leaders, laying the groundwork for long-term success in this vibrant economic community.