Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
HOUSTON — The RioPlex initiative took center stage this week as it hosted the Texas Port to the Stars FDI Summit, a high-profile event that brought together government officials, trade envoys, industry titans, and global investors for a two-day exploration of the Rio Grande Valley’s rising role in international commerce.
Held April 9–10 at the Westin Galleria Houston, the summit was designed to showcase the RioPlex region as a premier destination for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and a powerful hub for business expansion and innovation. From the very start, the event made its intentions clear: RioPlex is not just a regional initiative—it is a strategic force poised to reshape the North American economic landscape.
Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez, one of the summit’s central figures, welcomed attendees with a powerful message: “We’re very pleased to host you here to learn about the opportunities that RioPlex has to offer. It is truly an honor to host this event for such a distinguished group of business leaders, council officials, and public servants.”
Cortez emphasized that RioPlex is more than a region—it’s a bridge between three powerhouse economies: the United States, Texas, and Mexico. “We are America’s front door to Mexico, the United States’ largest trading partner,” he declared. “Plex is centered around three large economies. You’re going to hear this over and over again. Repetition is the mother of all learning.”
The summit began with the “Stars Aligned” networking reception, a dynamic evening of introductions and relationship-building among decision-makers. But the heart of the event unfolded the second day, with panels and presentations diving into the region’s strategic geography, cross-border assets, and unmatched growth potential.
Judge Cortez described the Rio Grande Valley as a historically overlooked region that is now “open for business.” He painted a compelling picture of RioPlex’s current and future role in global trade. “We have 14 international bridge crossings, multiple deep-water seaports, an international railroad crossing, the SpaceX-operated Boca Chica Spaceport, and several industrial parks on both sides of the border,” he said.
He also highlighted the presence of global corporations like Samsung, Johnson Controls, Toshiba, Tyson Foods, and others already operating in the region. “We have over 24 countries conducting business here,” he said. “And our cost of living is just 83% of the national average. That means you can offer good salaries, and your employees’ quality of life just gets better.”
Equally crucial to Cortez’s message was the region’s workforce. “More than roads, more than rails, more than runways—our greatest asset really is our people,” he said. “We are a young, vibrant region. The median age in the Rio Grande Valley is just 29 years old. Each year, 18,000 high school graduates and 18,000 degrees or certificates are awarded across our institutions. This is a workforce for the future—globally attuned, deeply connected, and ready to meet the demands of the 21st century.”
The judge also touted the stability of local governance, the availability of advanced medical services, strong educational institutions, and a growing list of lifestyle amenities including sports, arts, and even beachfront access via South Padre Island.
Quoting a recent book, The Crossings, Cortez noted, “The true settlement of the new world began not on the East Coast, but right here in the region we call RioPlex.” With that historical context, he challenged attendees to rethink the region’s role in global development. “This is not a forgotten frontier, but the launching point for the next wave of North American growth,” he said.
In his closing remarks, Cortez issued a bold call to action: “Our message today is simple. RioPlex is open for business. We are ready for nearshoring, industrial expansion, manufacturing, logistics, energy investments, and of course, digitalization. This is a region defined by connection, powered by youth, and positioned for international growth.”
With global interest in nearshoring and cross-border trade on the rise, the Texas Port to the Stars FDI Summit cemented RioPlex’s place on the map—not just as a trade corridor, but as a launchpad for economic transformation.
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