As a major stakeholder in Laredo’s business and business world, a meeting focused on three national issues last week in the city of Laredo, where various local stakeholders were part of the discussion.
On Wednesday, these stakeholders, economic development organizations and businesses, were part of the local North American Competitive Strategy Summit to discuss recent business and trade changes and what some of the opportunities and potential challenges are for future growth.
This NASCO meeting was attended by stakeholders including Laredo Economic Development Corporation, IBC Bank, TAMIU, Laredo College, Kansas City Southern, Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, business leaders and representatives of the City of Laredo, Bridge Department and Economy. Development.
According to LEDC President and CEO Gene Lindgren, NASCO is a leading organization in North America focused on supply chain competitiveness, workforce and energy independence. He added that NASCO is the only North American tri-national network of governments, businesses, and educational institutions based on the common interests of trade corridors and trade networks.
“Topics covered were NASCO’s initiatives and priorities that support North American growth, equity and competitiveness, the KCS Rail Bridge Expansion Project and an update on monarch butterfly conservation efforts,” Lindgren said. “Attendees provided updates from their organizations.”
The USMCA was another major topic discussed during the Laredo meeting.
“As we continue to implement the USMCA, Laredo will continue to benefit from significant industry and business growth from the tri-national trade agreement as more and more companies relocate or expand in our region,” he said. Although some challenges include construction and congestion, these will be eliminated as hundreds of millions of dollars in infrastructure projects eventually provide safety and mobility improvements.
Among these infrastructure projects, Lingren points out relief roads between Mine Road and IH-35, bypasses, additional lanes and connectors between IH-69 and IH-35, and planning stages include an outer loop that supports efficient freight. Mobility Once a bridge is built 4/5.
“Ultimately, Laredo will be the only border city with four interstate highways that start and end at our port of entry,” Lindgren said.
Lingren added that NASCO has several councils that focus on key initiatives and groups that comprise the organization. These councils ultimately provide a small platform and avenue for members to engage in specific projects, collaborate on certain issues, and share knowledge on important tri-national initiatives.
The councils have four calls each quarter and receive updates from staff throughout the year. They consist of councils on supply chain, human resources, the North American neighborhood, Mexico and the university. NASCO then has an annual continental meeting that rotates host countries between the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
“Since its inception decades ago, NASCO has had representatives from Laredo and our community has benefited from the positive promotion of our port, our business community and our international trade with Mexico,” said Lindgren. “That’s one reason it’s the number one land port in North America and will be for decades to come.”
Laredo has had several representatives at NASCO meetings over the years, Lindgren said. Canada.
“Earlier this month, the 2022 reunion was in Kansas City; the 2023 event will be in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; and 2024 will be in Mazatlán, Mexico,” Lindgren said.
NASCO was founded in 1994 to promote North America’s competitiveness in the global marketplace.
jorge.vela@lmtonline.com
