Gonzalez: COSTEP was invited to attend Gov. Abbott’s trade mission to Asia

HARLINGEN, Texas – The CEO of the Council for South Texas Progress says his organization was invited to go on Gov. Greg Abbott’s trade mission to Taiwan, South Korea and Japan.

Adam Gonzalez says the reason COSTEP did not go was because he did not budget for two international trips this year. In January, Gonzalez went on a trade mission with Gov. Abbott to India.

No organization from the Rio Grande Valley went on the Asia tour, which upset some leaders. Businessman and RioPlex founder Joaquin Spamer and Brownsville Mayor John Cowen both said the Valley should have been represented.

McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos took a different view. He thought the Valley could follow slipstream behind Abbott and pick up any leads he brought back to Texas.

“I was invited on that mission trip to Asia,” Gonzalez told the Rio Grande Guardian. “As you will know, we’re not-for-profit. We have a budget that we have to go under. So, we created a budget for one international mission trip this year. And that was done by design because we’re members of the Texas Economic Development Corporation.”

Gonzalez said there is a misconception about who organizes the international trade missions that the governor heads.

“The governor’s office did not set up this trip. Texas Economic Development Corporation sets up these trips. And so, they invite groups such as ours, because we are members of TEDC. Historically they’ve done one international trip a year. So, we budgeted for one. Now, since Aaron Demerson came in (as TEDC president and CEO) they did two trips, which is great.”

Gonzalez said COSTEP can go on two international trade missions, if it budgets for it.

“Rest assured that I am going to submit my budget next year for two international trips, so that we can go. We’re an organization that pays its own way but also have some sponsors that help us. We need to be good stewards of our money and how we spend it,” Gonzalez said.

“I think it was a great opportunity (to visit Asia). Unfortunately, I had not budgeted for it. And we’re not an organization that goes out and asks for money every time there’s a trip or a function that comes up. So that’s the reason that we did not go.”

As to why other Valley or Laredo entities did not go to Asia, Gonzalez said:

“The reason others did not get invited was probably because they’re not part of TEDC. I think there were some comments about maybe some mayors had not been personally invited by the governor, it’s through the Texas Economic Development Corporation.”

India trip

Gonzalez said the trip to India in January was productive.

“It was very productive. As a matter of fact, I am currently negotiating a contract to attain more leads in India. And that will help us bring more site selectors and bringing interested companies from India to our region. Have them step on RioPlex ground, now, and in the Laredo Metroplex ground as well since we (COSTEP) cover all the way to Laredo. Show them the assets and get them interested in relocating to this area.”

Gonzalez continued: “I have high hopes that within the next year, maybe two years, we’ll be landing more Indian companies and Turkish companies as well because we were working very closely with Turkey. Remember, COSTEP tries to work in the white spaces, in the spaces where others are not working. We know that Asia has been covered in the past by McAllen EDC and various other business leaders.”

What if TEDC organizes three international trade missions in one year, Gonzalez was asked. “Then I will budget for three,” he responded.

Asked if he would like to put the word out for more sponsors, to ensure the Valley and Laredo go on every trade mission headed by the governor, Gonzalez said: “We’re just like any other not-for-profit, we’re always looking for funding.”

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