Everything Jesús Cañas said at McAllen EDC's Trade Talks event

MCALLEN, Texas - Jesús Cañas, a senior business economist with the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, was the guest speaker at McAllen Economic Development Corporation’s latest Trade Talks event.

Cañas spoke about the border economy, international trade, near shoring and the potential impact of AI.

After he had made his presentation, Cañas gave an interview to the RGG Business Journal. Here is the interview:

The Business Journal also video recorded the power point presentation Cañas made. Here it it:

McAllen EDC's analysis

McAllen EDC has penned a column on the presentation. Here it is:

We’re energized by the success of this week’s Trade Talks, co-hosted by the McAllen Economic Development Corporation and the McAllen Chamber of Commerce.

The event featured an outstanding presentation from Jesús Cañas, senior business economist with the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, who shared data-driven insights on the forces shaping U.S.–Mexico trade, nearshoring, and the competitive landscape along our binational corridor.

Why This Matters for McAllen EDC

At the McAllen EDC, our mission is to strengthen the region’s economic future by attracting investment, supporting industry growth, and expanding cross-border partnerships. 

Trade Talks reinforces the critical role our region plays in:

• Driving North American supply chains through a robust manufacturing and logistics ecosystem
• Positioning McAllen and Reynosa as a unified, high-performance industrial powerhouse
• Supporting employers and talent pipelines that keep our region globally competitive
• Leveraging data and strategy to help companies expand, innovate, and invest with confidence

Key Regional Insights

The McAllen–Reynosa region continues to be one of the most strategic trade gateways in North America.

Companies are increasingly seeking efficient, skilled, and well-connected markets—a clear advantage for our community.

Binational collaboration remains essential for sustaining long-term growth and maintaining our competitive edge.

A special thank-you to IBC Bank – for sponsoring this event and for their consistent commitment to regional economic development.

We also want to extend our sincere appreciation to our moderator, Julian Alvarez, for always answering the call and championing economic development across our region. His leadership and support elevate every conversation.

Thank you to all the business leaders, partners, and stakeholders who joined us. Your engagement fuels the work we do every day to strengthen our industrial base and create new opportunities for McAllen and the Greater Rio Grande Valley.

We look forward to continuing these conversations and welcoming you back for the next Trade Talks in February 2026.