Pathways for Trade 2026: Trade and Industry Leaders Shape a Binational Agenda with COSTEP’s Participation

Supply chain resilience, rail connectivity, workforce readiness, and investment opportunities shape the September 23–24 agenda of Pathways for Trade 2026 at Texas A&M International University. Organized by the Laredo Economic Development Corporation, the symposium marks its 33rd edition with the participation of COSTEP, sponsor of the site tours that opened the program.

Under the theme “Connecting the Americas: Infrastructure, Industry, Innovation,” the symposium brings together private-sector experts, public officials, and academic representatives to examine the factors influencing North America’s competitiveness.

Wednesday’s program features Amanda Laabs, Chief Product Officer at Medline, with a keynote on Laredo’s role in supporting the company’s supply chain resilience. Her topic connects international trade operations with business needs for reliable sourcing and operational continuity.

Workforce development takes center stage with Cynthia F. Whittenburg of the NCBFAA National Educational Institute, Adam Walsh of ACT, and Carlos Carpizo, co-founder of Kosmos. Moderated by Claudia Saenz of Laredo College, the panel focuses on the skills and career readiness needed to strengthen the economy.

On infrastructure and industrial development, the program includes Ryan Steinbach of Union Pacific Railroad and Carlo A. Molano, President and CEO of FORUM CRE, with presentations on rail connectivity and the evolution of Laredo’s industrial real estate market. Ben Escarcega Winebrenner of Kraus Development and Matthew Service of Ironhorse Resources join them for a panel on rail, industrial development, and emerging freight platforms.

Wednesday’s agenda also lists a keynote by Diane Sabatino of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on trade enforcement strategy, innovation, and partnerships. The Night of Trade reception features Lenny Feldman of Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, introduced by Gerald Schwebel of IBC Bank.

Thursday’s program highlights Ilvin Mendoza Carrasco, Head of Intelligence and Territorial Analysis at the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Finance and Economy, with a keynote on translating connectivity and trade potential into regional development. David R. Gonzalez of CBP also appears on the agenda with a presentation on innovation.

The transition from nearshoring to investment anchors a panel featuring Fermin Rodriguez, Jorge Gonzalez Henrichsen of The Nearshore Company, Lorena Cavazos Muñoz, Secretary of Economic Development for Nuevo Laredo, and Devorah Karren, whose responsibilities include international affairs for Nuevo León and the promotion of Port Colombia-Laredo. Uriel Verazzi moderates the discussion.

The program also includes Daniel Covarrubias of TAMIU and Rahul Oltikar of Imperative Logistics Group in a conversation about turning trade flows into manufacturing and distribution investment. Gerald Schwebel and Luis Rodriguez of Monarch Global Strategies are featured in the panel on the future of USMCA, while William Pui Martinez, Founder and CEO of Greenspace E-Mobility, is scheduled to deliver the closing keynote on infrastructure and the next era of North American trade.

COSTEP brings a practical connection to the region’s trade infrastructure. Its sponsorship of the September 22 site tours included visits to the Laredo–Colombia Solidarity International Bridge, Mission Produce, and the World Trade Bridge. This participation connects the symposium’s themes with the infrastructure and operations that support commerce between Mexico and the United States.

Together, the sessions outline the region’s challenges and opportunities: preparing talent, strengthening connectivity, and translating trade activity into economic development. COSTEP’s presence supports this collaborative effort to showcase the capabilities of the Rio South Texas Region.