PHARR, RGV – The president of the Mid Valley Customs Brokers Association has praised the cities of Pharr and Reynosa for the investments made at their international bridge.
Crispin N. Flores is president of C&J Logistical Services. At a recent MVCBA board meeting, attended by Congressman Vicente Gonzalez and Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, Flores spoke about international trade at the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge.
“We are trade partners with the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge, currently ranked the fourth largest and most important gateway along the U.S.-Mexico border,” Flores said.
“The importance of this commercial border crossing is vital to our success and that of our customers.”
Flores said MVCBA “anticipates exponential growth” at the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge in the years ahead. “For that reason, we must continue to invest in infrastructure, personnel and technology,” he said.
Flores continued: “By 2020, Pharr, with the help of the federal government, will have invested over $30 million in much-needed port enhancements to increase truck traffic throughout and reduce border wait times.”
Flores also praised Mexico’s version of Customs & Border Protection.
“The Reynosa Aduana at the Pharr land port of entry recently finished construction on a modernized Aduana (customs facility) to service both importers and exporters for true cross-border trade with an investment of $90 million dollars,” Flores said.
“This speaks volumes for future trade and investments, regardless of what the end-result is with the recently signed USMCA.”
USMCA is a new trade agreement agreed by the leaders of the United States, Mexico and Canada.
“We understated we have a lot of work to do to finalize and approve the USMCA,” Flores said, noting that the trade agreement still has to be ratified by Congress.
“With your help, Congressman (Gonzalez), your support and your push for more federal funds, we can continue to expand our preferred port of entry, to augment our current facilities to facilitate trade.”
In his speech, Flores spoke about the mission of MVCBA. He said it is to provide support for the import and export community in the Mid-Valley area.
“We assist our members and businesses in the community by effectively communicating with our local, state and federal governmental agencies to address and resolve issues affecting the mechanics and policies of international trade at the ports of Pharr, Progreso and Rio Grande City,” Flores said.
Flores rhetorically asked who the face of the Mid-Valley Customs Brokers Association is.
“Our members come with wide range of experience and knowledge. Some of our members have been operating for a couple of years while others have been in operations since the mid-1940s! The experience and knowledge vary for each member but all are committed to providing the best service possible and to abide by the rules and regulations that govern us.”
