Binational Unity Strengthens Foreign Trade Development in Laredo–Nuevo Laredo

The Binational Group of Leaders and Business Executives—composed of customs brokers, transportation companies, and representatives from the foreign trade and logistics sectors—held its traditional End-of-Year Holiday Gathering, reaffirming the shared commitment on both sides of the border to strengthen binational collaboration and regional development.

The event took place in an atmosphere of cordiality, friendship, and holiday spirit, highlighting the importance of unity between Mexico and the United States in sustaining one of North America’s most strategic trade corridors.

Participation of Authorities and Industry Leaders

The gathering brought together key public officials, legislators, and business representatives who play a central role in the competitiveness of Laredo–Nuevo Laredo. Attendees included U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar, Representative for Texas’ 28th District, and Richard Peña Raymond, Representative for Texas’ 42nd District; Vanessa Pérez, Councilwoman of the City of Laredo, Texas; Lt. Col. Erick Omar Salinas Flores, Head of the Nuevo Laredo Customs Office; Capt. Aurelio Neftali Melo Parra, Deputy Administrator of the Colombia Customs Office; Mario Palos Garza, President of AMEPIS; Jorge Viñals, Binational Coordinator of the Business Group; Alfredo Montes, President of the Nuevo Laredo Customs Brokers Association (AAANLD); Jose David “JD” Gonzalez, President of the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association; Eduardo A. Garza Robles, Representative of CONCAMIN Tamaulipas; Brenda Rentería, Director of COMCE Northeast Laredo Chapter; Carlos Martínez, President of ALFA; Pedro Lozano Martínez, President of the Nuevo Laredo Transporters Association; Jerry Maldonado, President of the Laredo Motor Carriers Association; Glafiro Montemayor, International Bridge 4–5; Ernesto Gaytán, National Vice President of CANACAR; Héctor Hinojosa, CANACAR Delegate in Nuevo Laredo; Eduardo Lozano, President of the Nuevo Laredo Cargo Services Center; Gerald Schwebel, Chairman of the Texas Freight Mobility Committee; and Eduardo Villarreal Delgado, President of the Colombia Customs Brokers Association.

A Message of Unity and Shared Vision

During his remarks, Congressman Henry Cuellar emphasized the importance of binational cooperation in consolidating the region’s strategic position, stating that “together and united, we will make Laredo the number one bridge in the world.”

Participants agreed that continuous dialogue and feedback from the business sector are essential to advancing infrastructure projects, attracting investment, and strengthening the border facilities that sustain international trade.

COMCE Northeast Laredo Chapter expressed special appreciation to Mario Palos Garza for his hospitality and for creating a space that fosters closer ties between authorities and business leaders. The Binational Holiday Gathering served not only to celebrate the Christmas season and friendship, but also to reinforce cooperation between the private sector and public institutions from both countries.

The event reaffirmed the shared commitment to work together to promote development, competitiveness, and logistical efficiency in Laredo–Nuevo Laredo, one of the most strategic foreign trade corridors in North America.