TXBIZNEWS

RioPlex’s Texas Port to the Stars FDI Summit, held April 9-10, 2025 in Houston, brought together global leaders to position the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) and northern Tamaulipas as a top destination for foreign direct investment. The event comes as the Trump Administration pauses tariffs, boosting trade optimism. This initiative is the brainchild of CIL Logistics founder and president Joaquin Spamer.

The Details:

• Global Reach: Consulates from 17 countries, spanning Europe to Asia, attended to explore RGV opportunities.

• Leadership Spotlight: TAB’s Glenn Hamer moderated a panel with RGV mayors John Cowen (Brownsville), Norie Gonzalez (Mission), Norma Sepulveda (Harlingen), and Javier Villalobos (McAllen).

• Tariff Relief: The tariff pause under the USMCA strengthens Texas’s trade position, with 75% of U.S.-Mexico trade crossing Texas borders in 2024.

• RGV Assets: The region boasts 13 international bridges, seven airports, and a young workforce with a median age of 27-28.

Why It Matters:

Carlos Ealy, Texas Assistant Secretary of State for Mexican and Border Affairs, called the RGV “North America’s commercial artery,” emphasizing its role in global trade and innovation.

The Catch:

Tariff shifts could still impact trade, stay tuned for policy updates.

Bottom Line:

RioPlex’s summit marks the RGV as a rising star in international investment, fueled by Texas’s trade leadership.

We hope you enjoyed today’s read!

Stay connected with TXLege News on X and LinkedIn!

🎙️We Have a Podcast! 🎙️

Bills and Business is your go-to podcast for conversations related to Texas legislation and business. Hosted by Laura Carr, Co-Founder of USLege—an AI-driven legislative tracking software—we bring you in-depth analysis on economic trends, impactful legislation, and key developments shaping Texas business.

Subscribe on Youtube and Spotify for weekly episodes!

🔍 USLege - The Only AI-First Political Tracking Solution ✨

USLege helps you track legislation and find what you need faster from bills, committee hearings, floor debates, and state agency meetings faster.

Say goodbye to tedious tasks!

You can follow USLege on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X.

🤝 Texas Association of Business 📈

Texas Association of Business (TAB) is the Texas State Chamber, representing companies of every size and industry. TAB’s purpose is to champion the best business climate in the world, unleashing the power of free enterprise to enhance lives for generations.

You can follow TAB on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X.