UANL Strengthens Business Ties Between Nuevo León and South Texas

The Autonomous University of Nuevo León (UANL) opened its doors to binational dialogue with the event Café UANL con Texas, held on August 28, 2025, at the Raúl Rangel Frías University Library. In a collaborative atmosphere, authorities, business leaders, and experts shared experiences and advice to boost the growth of Mexican SMEs in the U.S. market.

The meeting began with remarks from Dr. Eugenio Reyes, Director of the World Trade Center Monterrey-UANL, who emphasized the challenge and opportunity of internationalization: “It is truly an opportunity and blessing to be next to the largest economy the world has ever known (…) Your companies are the real heroes, and we must take advantage of all the treaties and our proximity, particularly with Texas.”

Internationalization and Business Confidence

Later, Daniel Carrillo, Mayor of San Nicolás de los Garza, stressed that trust, security, and human relationships are the foundation for building solid businesses. The discussion also highlighted the importance of encouraging more Mexican companies to take advantage of geographic proximity and international treaties that facilitate exports and investment.

The first panel, “From Mexico to Texas: Where Business Crosses Borders”, brought together Linda Ufland, Director of Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Commercialization at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), as moderator, along with Griselda Y. Muñoz, Senior Director of Business Development at Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation, Javier Villalobos, Mayor of McAllen, and Orlando Campos, CEO of the Harlingen EDC. The participants agreed that the Rio Grande Valley has become a competitive region, offering incentives, infrastructure, and high-impact projects in sectors such as aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and logistics.

Legal Aspects for Doing Business in Texas

The second panel, “Legal Checklist to Step Firmly in Texas”, moderated by Francisco Peña, President of the Mexican Entrepreneurs Association (AEM) McAllen, featured experts Benjamín Schatz of Foster LLP and Mayra Martínez of MTZ Law Group. They addressed legal and immigration aspects for establishing businesses in the United States. Topics included the differences between E1, E2, L1, and TN visas, the importance of a solid business plan, and the need for legal, accounting, and insurance guidance before entering the North American market.

The event also served as a strategic networking space, where entrepreneurs and business owners had access to advisors, Texas city representatives, and foreign trade specialists. It was emphasized that the region not only shares a border but also a history of cooperation, culture, and a common vision for development.

In this way, Café UANL con Texas presented an encouraging outlook: from incentives and opportunities in key Rio Grande Valley cities to legal tools for business with confidence. These efforts strengthen the economic and social bridge between Nuevo León and Texas, driving the internationalization of more Mexican companies.