Harlingen EDC and Matamoros: A Renewed Partnership for Mutual Growth

In recent months, commercial relations and cooperative ties between Harlingen, Texas, and Matamoros, Tamaulipas, have strengthened through a collaborative working framework led by the Harlingen Economic Development Corporation (Harlingen EDC). Various meetings, planning sessions, and economic promotion tours have encouraged economic development on both sides of the border. Orlando Campos, CEO of Harlingen EDC, highlighted the collaboration with the Association of Export Manufacturing (Index) Matamoros, the U.S. Consulate General in Matamoros, the Mexican Consulate in Brownsville, and the Council for the Economic Development of Matamoros (Codem).

"Over the past year, we have renewed these relationships and prosperity ties with our partners in Matamoros, Tamaulipas; one of our key competitive advantages is being a binational region. We are genuinely seeking mutual cooperation and economic development to attract jobs and new opportunities," Campos stated.

The strengthening of the workforce in Harlingen and Matamoros has been a central focus, emphasizing the aerospace and automotive industries, sectors with high production demand and growth potential. Recently, Harlingen EDC and Codem jointly participated in the International Automotive Industry Supply Summit in Querétaro, showcasing the competitive advantages they offer as a binational region. "Promoting ourselves together strengthens our appeal for attracting investments; getting companies to know us is a great success. We want everyone to hear about Harlingen and the strong relationships we have with organizations in Matamoros," Campos added.

Matamoros and Harlingen share the Free Trade-Los Indios International Bridge, a crucial link for commercial exchange between Tamaulipas and Texas. In light of nearshoring trends, Harlingen EDC is preparing to engage with other associations, business leaders, and chambers in Mexico to explore new opportunities for binational collaboration and growth.