LEADERS GATHER AT TEXAS A&M TO EXPLORE THE FUTURE OF TEXAS-MEXICO COMMERCE AND COOPERATION
Business leaders, policymakers, and academics gathered at Texas A&M to explore the future of trade, economic cooperation, and regional partnership between Texas and Mexico.
The future of the Texas-Mexico economic relationship took center stage at Texas A&M University Tuesday as business leaders, policymakers, academics, and experts from across North America gathered for a day of conversation about how the two neighbors can strengthen trade and cooperation while addressing shared challenges.
The full day event, “Security and Prosperity in North America: Advancing Texas-Mexico Commerce and Cooperation,” was hosted by the Mosbacher Institute for Trade, Economics, and Public Policy at the Bush School of Government and Public Service. The daytime forum featured 19 speakers, moderators, and panelists representing a range of industries and areas of expertise, including leaders from Banco Nacional de Mexico, BlackRock, Dell Technologies, 44 Farms, Gruma/Mission Foods, the North American Development Bank, and Sempra. The goal was to bring decision-makers from both sides of the border together for practical conversations about issues that matter deeply to Texas and Mexico.
The morning began with a warm Texas A&M welcome from University President Susan Ballabina, Bush School Dean John B. Sherman, and Texas A&M University System Chancellor Glenn Hegar. Chancellor Hegar drew on his time as Comptroller of the State of Texas to share perspective on the significant economic ties between Texas and Mexico, emphasizing that trade is not only an economic engine but also a force that connects businesses, communities and people. The presence of these university leaders demonstrates Texas A&M’s commitment to advancing conversations around Texas’ economic and strategic relationship with Mexico.
The daytime forum consisted of five sessions exploring the many ways Texas and Mexico are connected, from trade and agriculture to energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, and the rapidly evolving North American economy. Throughout the day, participants examined both the strength of the relationship and the opportunities to build on it, with conversations focused on shared economic interests, regional resilience, and the importance of continued cooperation.
A common thread throughout the day was the increasingly interconnected nature of the Texas-Mexico relationship. Participants considered the role of cross-border trade and investment in strengthening North American supply chains, as well as the shared challenges facing agriculture, energy, water, and infrastructure. The forum brought together perspectives from the public and private sectors as well as academia, creating an opportunity for participants to consider these issues from multiple angles. The role of universities in supporting research, developing the workforce, and fostering cross-border partnerships was also an important part of the conversation.
After the forum, the discussion continued into the evening with Conversations in Public Policy, featuring Texas Secretary of State Robert S. Howden, who delivered remarks before participating in a Q&A moderated by Visiting Professor Clifford Young. The event marked Howden’s first visit to the Brazos Valley since his appointment as Texas’ 116th Secretary of State in July. His appearance extended the day’s focus on Texas-Mexico relations and provided an opportunity to continue the conversation about the issues shaping the region.
Together, the day’s events brought leaders from across Texas and Mexico to Texas A&M for meaningful dialogue about the region’s future. The event reinforced the value of bringing diverse perspectives to the same table and showcased the role Texas A&M plays in creating opportunities for continued conversation, collaboration, and partnership between Texas and Mexico.
