Cross-Border Economic Development

The history of cross-border economic development in McAllen, TX and Reynosa, MX has transitioned from a large agricultural base to an economy intertwined in global trade, commerce and advanced manufacturing. McAllen has emerged as a hub for retail, commerce and services as thousands of visitors from Mexico cross into this growing city. Reynosa also has transformed into a center for global companies and many products such as plasma televisions, bowling balls and medical supplies are produced here.

The greater McAllen/Reynosa metro region boosts an unofficial population of about 2 million people. The maquiladora program, which operates under Mexico but facilitated by tax laws in the United States, has allowed more than 200 Mexican and foreign-owned manufacturing companies to open large-scale operations in Reynosa.

For a complete timeline about the history of cross-border manufacturing, please click here.