Introduction by Roger Creery

At the center of the primary trade route connecting Canada, the United States and Mexico, and the gateway to Mexico’s burgeoning industrial complex, Laredo and Nuevo Laredo offer markets, business opportunities and profit potential which business and industry simply cannot find anywhere else.

Known locally as Los Laredos, Laredo and Nuevo Laredo are actually one city divided only by the Rio Grande. Originally settled by the Spaniards in 1755, Laredo/Nuevo Laredo became the first "official" Port of Entry on the U.S./Mexico border in 1851. Now, the Laredo Customs District is ranked the 6th largest customs district in the nation handling over $367.5 billion in international trade and continues to be the inland port on the U.S./Mexico Border.

Laredo is the only U.S./Mexico border city strategically positioned at the convergence of all land transportation systems. Mexico’s principal highway and railroad leading from Central America through Mexico City, Saltillo and Monterrey, the industrial heart of Mexico, converge at Laredo to meet two major U.S. rail lines, Inter-state 35 and other roads which fan outwards to the urban centers and seaports of Texas and beyond to Northern States and Canadian Provinces including Illinois, Michigan, New York and Ontario.

For the last several years, Mexico’s economic reforms, increased U.S./Mexico trade and cross border production sharing combined to spur Laredo’s growth as never before. As the fastest growing city east of the Rocky Mountains and the most competitive NAFTA crossing, Laredo’s bright economic future is vibrant.

Laredo is the place to be.