TAMIU's TCBEED Participates in NADBank Summit

Texas A&M International University's (TAMIU), A. R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business Texas Center for Border Economic and Enterprise Development (TCBEED) Director Dr. Daniel Covarrubias recently participated as a panelist at the NADBank Summit 2023 in San Antonio. 

The panel, titled, “Mobility in the Economic Integration of the Border/La movilidad en la transición económica de la frontera," served as a gathering point for U.S. and Mexican leaders from academia, government, and industry focused on sustainable solutions for the border region.

Salvador López Córdova, chief development officer, North American Development Bank (NADBank), moderated the panel. Panelists also included Alyssa Muto, director of Sustainability and Mobility, City of San Diego, and Ana Villarreal Anzaldo, director of Public Policy and Road Safety, Institute for Transportation and Development Policy. They led a discussion on integrated multiple perspectives concerning cross-border mobility and sustainability.

Dr. Covarrubias contributed his expertise in logistics and cross-border trade to the panel discussion, presented data underscoring the rising volumes of commercial truck crossings at key land ports such as Port Laredo, and emphasized the need for advanced systems and infrastructure. His insights also explored the potential of Logistechs, technological advancements designed to optimize supply chains and enhance economic activities between the U.S. and México.  

"The Summit was an incredible platform for in-depth discussions that can truly reshape the future of cross-border logistics and trade," said Covarrubias, "I would like to extend my thanks to Calixto Mateos, John Beckham, Jesse Jack Hereford, and the entire NADBank leadership for this enriching opportunity, as well as to my fellow panelists for their invaluable contributions." 

The participation in the NADBank Summit has led to promising avenues for future collaboration between TAMIU and NADBank. Dr. Covarrubias is a Co-Principal Investigator in an ongoing NADBank grant focused on a Binational Air Quality Measurement System at the Laredo/Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas Cross-Border Region. 

He found the Summit an opportunity to conduct discussions about new grant opportunities. A potential new project focuses on a pilot for electric drainage trucks at Port Laredo, a move that could be a game-changer in reducing carbon emissions and operational costs. 

"These types of events signify much more than a single conversation," Covarrubias said, "They often act as catalysts for multi-dimensional collaborative efforts geared towards economic and environmental sustainability."

For additional information and access to the data presented at the Summit, visit the Texas Center at texascenter.tamiu.edu, email Dr. Covarrubias at dcova@tamiu.edu, call 956.326.2520, or visit offices located in Anthony J. and Georgia A. Pellegrino Hall, room 216.

This story is by PRMIS Student Intern Dana Cadena.