PHARR, Texas — The Pharr Economic Development Corporation recently hosted a delegation of 38 business leaders from COMCE Zacatecas, marking a major step forward in regional trade and international economic partnerships at the Pharr Global Business Hub.
The multi-day visit served as the fourth commercial mission with COMCE (Consejo Empresarial Mexicano de Comercio Exterior, Inversión y Tecnologías) Zacatecas, bringing 38 prospective investors directly to Pharr and the broader Rio Grande Valley region.
Lilvette Santos, economic business development director for the Pharr EDC, emphasized the strategic importance of the visit, noting that these business executives represent viable prospects looking to establish operations locally.
"This is a very special moment for us," Santos said. "Not only because we just received 38 business people from Zacatecas, which for us are 38 prospects that are completely interested in doing business not only here in the city of Pharr, as well in the region."
During the delegation's visit, officials formally unveiled the new sign for the COMCE Nacional Forum, a specialized chapter established specifically for the Pharr Global Business Hub. The dedication follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed with COMCE National three years ago after Pharr EDC leaders traveled to Zacatecas.
The partnership allows members of COMCE chapters across Mexico to utilize the Pharr Global Business Hub as a permanent operational base and resource center.
The two-day itinerary provided the delegation with a comprehensive look at the region’s economic ecosystem:
Santos reported that feedback from the visiting delegates was overwhelmingly positive, laying the groundwork for upcoming foreign direct investment.
"They are very excited," Santos noted. "They said that they are going back with their hands full. It was definitely a great opportunity for us to start great conversations in order to develop the next steps."
When asked if the mission would directly lead to increased commercial activity, Santos confirmed that more business is indeed headed to Pharr.
About COMCE
The Mexican Business Council for Foreign Trade, Investment and Technology (COMCE) is a private, non-profit organization established in 1999 through the merger of CEMAI and CONACEX. Representing roughly 70 percent of Mexico's trade sectors—including manufacturing, industrial, commercial, and retail—COMCE operates nearly 70 bilateral business committees globally to drive foreign direct investment, technology transfer, and international trade policies for the Mexican private sector.
