World Trade Bridge in Laredo, Texas: 25 years driving trade across the Americas

With a solemn official proclamation and recognition of the collaborative efforts between authorities on both sides of the border, the city of Laredo, Texas, commemorated the 25th anniversary of the World Trade Bridge on April 15. This vital international connection has played a key role in promoting trade between Mexico and the United States.

During the commemorative ceremony, Dr. Victor D. Treviño, Mayor of Laredo, Texas, highlighted the strategic importance the bridge has held for over two decades, solidifying its role as a high-impact commercial corridor in the region. “This international crossing has been essential in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and fostering international cooperation, while ensuring the efficient and secure flow of goods,” he stated.

The World Trade Bridge connects Laredo, Texas, with Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas. Since its inauguration, it has served as a major engine for the distribution, manufacturing, logistics, and transportation industries across northern Mexico and southern United States.

One of the most significant announcements of the event was the recent issuance of a Presidential Permit authorizing the expansion of the World Trade area in Laredo. This permit was made possible through bipartisan collaboration in the U.S. Congress, led by Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn, as well as Congressman Henry Cuellar, all of whom were recognized for their pivotal role in advancing the project.

“The Rio Grande does not divide us; it unites us as two nations. We know that Mexico is a partner, and we must treat it as such. From the United States Congress, we extend recognition to the Mayor, the city of Laredo, and the private sectors of both Mexico and the U.S.,” said Congressman Henry Cuellar.

Mayor Treviño also emphasized the ongoing coordination with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Mexico’s National Customs Agency (ANAM), as well as with municipal authorities from Nuevo Laredo and private sector stakeholders. This collaboration, he noted, has been vital in ensuring the bridge’s security, modernization, and operational efficiency.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Dr. Victor D. Treviño called on the community to celebrate this anniversary, acknowledging the World Trade Bridge as a symbol of prosperity, binational cooperation, and economic development in the border region.

The event was attended by prominent dignitaries, including Congressman Henry Cuellar; Laredo Mayor Dr. Victor D. Treviño and his wife, Mrs. Rosa Márquez de Treviño; Juan Carlos Mendoza Sánchez, Consul General of Mexico in Laredo, Texas; City Manager Joseph Neeb; Lic. Eduardo A. Garza Robles, President of COMCE Noreste, Laredo Chapter; Elsa Hinojosa, Director of the Bridge System; David Stedman, President of the Laredo Economic Development Corporation; Miriam Castillo, Director of Economic Development for the City of Laredo, Texas; as well as officials from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).