City of McAllen Joins Forces with World Trade Center Monterrey

Hosts key event to facilitate international business expansion and other opportunities in McAllen

McAllen, TX – Yesterday, McAllen officials, along with the World Trade Center Monterrey – UANL, hosted a business mentoring and networking session in Monterrey, Mexico. The event aimed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) seeking international expansion and entrepreneurial development.

Business leaders, entrepreneurs, faculty members, and a keynote speaker convened at the BBVA Spark Space for the event. Francisco Puente, the Co-Founder and CEO of Wherex, a business software company that offers solutions for procurement, sourcing, and supply chain departments in medium and large enterprises, shared valuable insights on the global market, industry trends, and effective business solutions.

This collaboration highlights the strength of partnership. In August 2024, Mayor Javier Villalobos, the Secretary of International Relations at UANL, Sandra Gonzalez, and Dr. Eugenio Reyes, the Director of the World Trade Center – Monterrey, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the shared goal of boosting economic growth and business development. This MOU aims to position McAllen as the prime business location in South Texas for World Trade Center Monterrey members looking to expand into U.S. markets.

This significant partnership continues to foster mutual prosperity for both McAllen and Nuevo Leon. According to CoWorking Café, a real estate tech firm, McAllen ranks in the top 10 cities nationwide for small businesses, specifically at #9, making it an attractive choice for business expansion into U.S. markets.

“McAllen is the epicenter of economic growth in the Rio Grande Valley and is a leading international hub for trade and foreign investment. It stands out as the premier location for businesses seeking to expand internationally. Collaborations with notable institutions like the World Trade Center Monterrey highlight the city’s proactive efforts to promote opportunities in foreign markets and strengthen its presence in key business communities,” said McAllen City Manager Isaac J. Tawil.

The city is taking steps to attract foreign investment and drive business expansions through its initiative, “McAllen Means Business International.” This program promotes McAllen as the premier business and investment destination in South Texas.

Moreover, McAllen’s soft-landing program is designed to empower foreign business owners by streamlining processes and delivering essential information for a seamless entry into the local business landscape. This initiative ensures connections with industry experts and business leaders, setting the stage for success in our vibrant community.