COSTEP at the 3rd Forum INDEX Nuevo Laredo: Driving Innovation and Regional Competitiveness

The 3rd INDEX Nuevo Laredo Forum brought together leaders from the manufacturing sector, business organizations, academic institutions, and municipal authorities — reaffirming Nuevo Laredo’s role as one of the most dynamic industrial and logistics hubs along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Among the organizations supporting and engaging in this effort, COSTEP (Council for South Texas Economic Progress) participated as part of its ongoing mission to strengthen collaboration, competitiveness, and regional promotion across both sides of the border.

With the presence of Jael Durán, Director of INDEX Nacional, and Enrique Morán, President of INDEX Nuevo Laredo, the forum emphasized the importance of shared vision and cooperation to advance the future of the manufacturing and export industry.

“This meeting allows us to share experiences and generate synergies that empower companies, strengthen our ecosystem, and reinforce our economic environment,” Morán stated during his welcome message.

Nuevo Laredo’s strategic position and binational connectivity make it a cornerstone for regional development — moving not only products but also ideas, technology, and innovation. In 2024, the city’s exports reached $4.87 billion USD, representing a 5.24% increase compared to the previous year. Across Tamaulipas, the maquiladora and export services industry employs over 240,000 people, or 7.4% of Mexico’s total.

The forum’s agenda addressed five strategic pillars for industrial development: talent management, economy, foreign trade, cybersecurity, and sustainability — all key areas where COSTEP continues to foster collaboration between stakeholders in South Texas and Northern Tamaulipas.

By working together across borders, COSTEP and the Nuevo Laredo industry are building a stronger, more competitive region — one defined by opportunity, innovation, and shared prosperity.

Rio South Texas Region: One Region. Two Countries. One Future.

Photo 1

Sergio Gracia Badiola, President of Mexico Industry; Miguel Angel Vazquez, President of CANACINTRA Nuevo Laredo; and Adam Gonzalez, CEO of COSTEP, Council for Economic Progress of South Texas.

Photo 2

Adam Gonzalez, CEO of COSTEP; and Francisco Iván Torres Macario, Director of Industrial Development and Foreign Trade for the Nuevo Laredo Economic Development Secretariat.

Photo 3

Ray Reyes, VP of International Business Recruitment for Laredo Economic Development Corporation; Octavio Almanza Hernandez, Advisor for Index Nacional; Enrique Moran, President of Index Nuevo Laredo; Alma Saldaña, Assistant Director of Economic Development for COSTEP; David Stedman, President and CEO of Laredo Economic Development Corporation; Cesar Hernandez, Chief Operating Officer for MileOne.

Photo 4

Eduardo Pol, Managing Partner for O&P Consult Group; Adam Gonzalez, CEO for COSTEP; David Stedman, President and CEO of Laredo Economic Development Corporation. Alma Saldaña, Assistant Director of Economic Development for COSTEP; Felipe Romero, Marketing Executive Manager for Port Laredo; Sergio Gracia, CEO of Mexico Industry; Ivan Torres, Secretary of Industrial Development and Foreign Trade for the Government of Nuevo Laredo; Cesar Hernandez, Chief Operating Officer for MileOne.

Photo 5

Jael Durán, Director of INDEX Nacional, with Marile Rocha, Partner at O&P Group; Eduardo Pol, Managing Partner of O&P Group, and representatives.

Photo 6

Ray Reyes, VP of International Business Recruitment for Laredo Economic Development Corporation; Adam Gonzalez, CEO of COSTEP; Juan Carlos Mendoza Sanchez, Consul General of Mexico in Laredo, TX; David Stedman, President and CEO of Laredo Economic Development Corporation; Cesar Hernandez, Chief Operating Officer for MileOne; Miguel Angel Valdez, President of Canacintra Nuevo Laredo.