ROMA, Texas — Roma Mayor Jaime Escobar, Jr., says his city has successfully concluded an economic development mission in Mexico.
Escobar led a delegation to the Mexican states of Guanajuato and Michoacán. He said the trip reinforced the City of Roma’s commitment to expanding international trade, attracting investment, and positioning the Roma Port of Entry as a premier gateway for commerce between Mexico and the United States.
"This mission reflects our commitment to building meaningful partnerships that create lasting economic opportunities," Escobar said. "By working together with government leaders and industry partners throughout Mexico, we are strengthening the Roma Port of Entry's role as a strategic logistics hub, attracting new investment, creating jobs, and supporting economic growth on both sides of the border."
In addition to Escobar, the city delegation included City Manager Alejandro Barrera, Assistant City Manager Alfonso Ramirez Jr., Business Liaison Joel Peña, and Mayor Baltazar Martínez Montemayor of Cerralvo, Nuevo León. Escobar said Martínez Montemayor joined the mission as part of a collaborative effort to promote the Roma Port of Entry and the Ruta 54/2/83 commercial corridor.
Together, the delegation highlighted the strategic advantages of strengthening regional connectivity and fostering industrial development opportunities that benefit communities on both sides of the border, Escobar explained.
Escobar said he was pleased that throughout the visit the delegation met with government leaders, business organizations, manufacturers, exporters, and logistics providers to establish strategic partnerships that will strengthen regional economic development and enhance cross-border trade.
He said the delegation met with the mayors of León, Guanajuato, and Cerralvo, Nuevo León, to discuss opportunities for collaboration in industrial development, international commerce, and logistics. He said the meetings also included leaders from several of Mexico's most influential business and trade organizations, including the Cámara de la Industria del Calzado del Estado de Guanajuato (CICEG), Asociación de Empresas Proveedoras Industriales de México (APIMEX), Coordinadora de Fomento al Comercio Exterior del Estado de Guanajuato (COFOCE), the U.S.-Mexico Chamber of Commerce – Guanajuato Chapter, Asociación de Industriales del Estado de Michoacán (AIEMAC), Tracusa, Aztecavo, and the Asociación de Productores y Empacadores Exportadores de Aguacate de México (APEAM).
Escobar said it was important City officials presented the competitive advantages of the Roma Port of Entry, the Las Américas Industrial Park, and the Secondary Examination Station (SES). He said this emphasized their role in supporting efficient customs processing, streamlined logistics, and expanded access to North American markets.
The mission also explored opportunities to develop new commercial corridors connecting manufacturers and exporters in Guanajuato and Michoacán—including companies operating through the Port of Lázaro Cárdenas and Mexico's avocado industry—to U.S. markets through the Roma Port of Entry, Escobar pointed out.
A press release from the City of Roma said the delegation extends its sincere appreciation to the government officials, business leaders, trade associations, and business owners who warmly welcomed the delegation throughout the mission. “Their hospitality, openness, and willingness to collaborate made these productive discussions possible and reinforced a shared commitment to expanding trade, investment, and economic opportunity for the region,” the press release stated
“These newly established relationships lay the foundation for continued cooperation, increased investment, stronger supply chains, and long-term prosperity throughout the region.”
Escobar said that as his city continues to expand its international outreach, it remains committed to developing innovative partnerships that enhance trade, promote economic competitiveness, and create new opportunities for businesses and residents alike.
RioPlex operations manager David Martinez says: "Founded in 1765, Roma predates the United States and has long been a gateway for commerce along the Rio Grande. Today, its National Historic Landmark district preserves centuries of remarkable architecture and cross-border heritage - where history continues to shape the future of the RioPlex."
Editor’s Note: Businesses, logistics providers, manufacturers, and investors interested in learning more about the advantages of the Roma Port of Entry, the Ruta 54/2/83 corridor, and investment opportunities in the region are encouraged to contact the City of Roma’s business liaison, Joel Peña.
