MCALLEN, Texas - McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos, chairman of the Anzalduas International Bridge Board and San Luis Potosí Governor Ricardo Gallardo Cardona have officially formalized a Memorandum of Understanding.
The MOU aims to strengthen international trade and commerce and promote efficient exports through the strategic use of Anzalduas International Bridge.
“It was a pleasure meeting with Governor Ricardo Gallardo, and (SLP) Mayor Galindo. Both have extended a warm welcome and an eagerness to work together,” Villalobos said.
Anzalduas International Bridge was officially opened in 2009. Connecting south Mission with the western end of Reynosa, the bridge is owned and operated by the City of McAllen in partnership with the cities of Hidalgo and Mission.
According to a study by the Texas Department of Transportation, economic growth spurred by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) could result in a near tripling of commercial vehicle traffic in the Rio Grande Valley/Tamaulipas border region by 2050. By expanding Anzalduas International Bridge, trucks carrying fully loaded cargo will be able to cross north- and south-bound.
McAllen City Commissioner for District 4, Rodolfo “Rudy” Castillo, McAllen Superintendent of Bridges, Juan Olaguibel and McAllen Economic Development Corporation Vice President, Ralph Garcia were among the VIPS to attend the MOU signing ceremony. The event coincided with Mexican Independence Day festivities in SLP.
Villalobos said the occasion underscored the significance of binational partnerships to support economic growth and development through trade, attract foreign investment, international business connections, and collaboration between the public and private sectors to improve cross-border operations and focus on reducing delays for fast and efficient crossings of goods.
"Our partnership with San Luis Potosí acknowledges the value of collaboration in facilitating two-way trade and safeguarding the supply chain resulting in the streamlining the entry of goods through our Anzalduas port of entry starting next year," Villalobos said.
“By expanding these relationships within Mexico, we aim to attract more investment, promote trade, and create more employment opportunities for our residents in our region.”
The McAllen mayor pointed out that the state of San Luis Potosí has developed a robust manufacturing sector, particularly in automotive and industrial goods, noting that SLP exports 91.3 percent of its industry's goods to the United States. It has thus become a significant player in cross-border trade, he said.
Villalobos said the $88 million expansion of Anzalduas International Bridge will open for northbound cargo in 2025. He said this will significantly enhance the capacity for facilitating exports of dried goods to markets both in the U.S. and in Mexico.
McAllen leaders have already decided they will not look to handle fresh produce at Anzalduas.
Villalobos added that the expansion of Anzalduas International Bridge to allow full cargo both northbound and southbound will not only improve trade flow but also create more jobs and attract more businesses to the region.
