McAllen signs agreement with Aguascalientes and Zacatecas to promote cross-border investment
MCALLEN, TX – The McAllen Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), hosted a delegation from Aguascalientes and Zacatecas, Mexico, in an effort to facilitate the arrival of entrepreneurs and investors to the United States.
Nearly 50 professionals from the Mexican Business Council for Foreign Trade and Investment and Technology visited the Texas city on April 20 and 21 for a tour led by the McAllen Chamber.
The tour aimed to help transition potential companies to start operations or expand in the United States and navigate past the common obstacles that international entrepreneurs and investors encounter.
In addition, a memorandum of understanding was signed during the visit to form a new partnership between the parties and commemorate the first of many official designations McAllen is seeking to attract foreign direct investment from Latin American entrepreneurs.
The new partnership will help McAllen become a preferred landing spot for COMCE Mexico members, who account for more than 50% of the country’s exports.
“This event marks the beginning of a long journey that is destined to strengthen the regional economy by attracting entrepreneurs from our neighboring country who are looking to expand or relocate their businesses in the United States,” said McAllen Chamber President and CEO Josh Mejia.
The Soft-Landing initiative is in partnership with the UTRGV Center for Entrepreneurship and Commercialization which will see Director Linda Ufland to discuss support services. Ufland will present information regarding start-ups and entrepreneurs in the region, including mentoring, funding and access to resources.
Also speaking for UTRGV will be Associate Vice President of Workforce Economic Development Ron Garza and Director of International Admissions and Student Services Samantha Lopez.
In addition to roundtable discussions on international business between Mexico and the United States, visits are also scheduled to the Anzalduas and Hidalgo/Reynosa International Bridges, McAllen International Airport, La Plaza Mall, Quinta Mazatlan, McAllen Convention Center, Performing Arts, Palms Crossing, McAllen Economic Development Corporation/McAllen Foreign Trade Zone and industrial parks.