PHARR, Texas — The City of Pharr, in collaboration with the Pharr International Bridge, the Pharr Economic Development Corporation, and the Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce, is preparing to host its inaugural Gateway Forum, a landmark cross-border gathering dedicated to international trade, logistics, and investment in the Rio Grande Valley.
Renowned international trade authority Dr. Duncan Wood will serve as the keynote speaker for the event, addressing critical global supply chain dynamics, regional trade chokepoints, and cross-border economic opportunities.
Yuri Gonzalez, director of international commercial development for the City of Pharr, presented an update on the forum during the September monthly meeting of the Pharr International Toll Bridge Board.
"We are three weeks away from the Gateway Forum," Gonzalez told bridge board members, emphasizing that the event kicks off a major week of trade and produce-related festivities in Pharr.
"This is happening Wednesday, October 7th—the week of Fresh on the Border," Gonzalez said. "That Thursday we have the Start of the Produce Season, Friday we have the golf tournament, and then we wrap up the week with the Avocado Fest, where we're expecting over 20,000 people in attendance."
The forum will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Pharr Development & Research Center, located at 850 W. Dicker Rd. Admission is completely free, though pre-registration is encouraged.
Gonzalez underscored that the Gateway Forum marks a unique partnership between three key municipal entities that traditionally host separate standalone events.
"Who's spearheading this event? This is a combination of the bridge, EDC, and chamber of commerce," Gonzalez noted. "Although these three departments have events throughout the year that are standalone, this is unique because this is all three entities coming together, and we're hoping that attendees leave with a better understanding of the Pharr landscape."
City officials are targeting developers, investors, site selectors, and the broader business community across North America.
Gonzalez highlighted active marketing efforts across major industrial hubs in Mexico, including Monterrey, Querétaro, and Puebla. "En México lo estamos promocionando como un foro internacional de comercio exterior, enfocado en transporte, logística e inversión," she stated, adding that organizers expect a sizeable delegation from Mexico visiting Pharr for the first time.
Organizers are projecting an attendance of more than 150 industry leaders, with walk-ins welcome. Future editions of the forum are expected to transition to Pharr's planned multi-use facility to accommodate larger international crowds.
The inaugural forum features panel discussions, infrastructure insights, and dedicated industrial park trolley tours:
Editor's Note: To see the full list of speakers, click here.
