McAllen targets new trade with Mexican manufacturing hub as border bridge expands

McAllen is looking south to one of Mexico’s major manufacturing centers for new business opportunities as the city seeks to turn its relationship with Saltillo into stronger trade, investment and supply-chain connections.

Saltillo Mayor Javier Díaz visited McAllen Tuesday for “Morning of Diplomacy: Honoring the Coahuila Connection,” an event that brought together government officials, consular representatives and South Texas business leaders.

But beyond the two cities’ shared history, the conversation centered on what their relationship could mean economically.

Saltillo and neighboring Ramos Arizpe anchor a major automotive and manufacturing corridor in southeastern Coahuila, with supply chains connected to companies and markets across the United States. McAllen officials see an opportunity to strengthen their city’s connection to that industrial base, particularly as commercial capacity expands at the Anzaldúas International Bridge.