Susan Davenport, Governor Samuel Garcia, Mtro. Ivan Rivas Rodriguez MOU signing

The Nuevo Leon State Government visited the Partnership this week in an effort to strengthen the relationship between the two regions, focusing on further developing their energy, logistics, life sciences and technology ecosystems. The visit comes on the heels of last month’s successful economic development trip to Mexico led by Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, Houston First Corp. and the Partnership.

Nuevo Leon Governor Samuel Garcia, Secretary of Economy Maestro Iván Rivas Rodríguez, and General Director of the Corporation for the Development of the Border Zone of Nuevo León Dr. Marco Antonio González Valdez all participated in a luncheon where they discussed infrastructure proposals and the state’s thriving economy.

International Bridge Master Plan

Gonzalez introduced Nuevo Leon’s plan to modernize Port of Colombia, referring to the project as priority for Governor Garcia’s administration. The Port of Colombia stands as the only international bridge directly connecting Texas to Nuevo Leon and ranks No. 3 of total US-Mexico customs federal tax collection. Gonzales discussed plans to maximize the port’s activity, noting advanced talks to reactivate a railroad to the border town. He also said establishing a cargo airport and promoting strategic relocations of exporting factories are key objectives for the administration

The Thriving ‘Economia’

Secretary of Economy Maestro Iván Rivas Rodríguez discussed the Nuevo Leon economy, led by the capital Monterrey, which accounts for 92% of the state’s population. Rodriguez highlighted Nuevo Leon’s business competition and workforce, noting it generates 7.8% of Mexico’s GDP despite the state accounting for only 4.6% of the country’s population. 

Rodriguez shared other economic factors, concentrating on the state’s foreign direct investment (FDI) records. According to the secretary, with $921 million USD of FDI in Q4 2021 the state of Nuevo Leon ranked #1 in the country, accounting for 24% of Mexico’s total FDI. 

Rodriguez also emphasized the state’s recovery from the pandemic and business sectors. “We are not only recovering…we are doing much better,” Rodriguez said.  “We are ready for companies and people to come and have a soft landing in Nuevo Leon.”

Memorandum of Understanding

Senior Vice President & Chief Economic Development Officer Susan Davenport, Governor of Nuevo Leon Samuel Garcia, and Nuevo Leon Secretary of Economy signed a memorandum of understanding. The MOU represents an agreement of future collaboration between Houston and Nuevo Leon.

Remarks from Nuevo Leon Governor

Governor Garcia discussed the importance of the Port of Colombia project, placing an emphasis on tax revenue. “Imagine what we can accomplish with our people…[and] with a good port.”

The Mexican governor also highlighted Texas’s and Houston’s economic development wins. “Texas has done a great job winning California [companies]… the [growth of] new Silicon Valley in Austin and energy matters in Houston.”

Honoring Governor Garcia’s visit to Houston and anticipating multi-industry collaborations, Mayor Turner proclaimed April 26 as Nuevo Leon Day. 

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