by Brittany Anderson
The governor-elect of Nuevo León, Mexico, visited the Hays County Historic Courthouse on July 13 for a press conference to discuss ways to strengthen the relationship between the Mexican state and Hays County.
Alongside a select group of community members, Samuel Alejandro García Sepúlveda met with Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra to look at how Nuevo León and Hays County can build commerce and economic opportunities together.
“Such an important partner to the south is upon us here, reaching out,” Becerra said. “Hays County is a huge opportunity zone for us and we would love to do anything we can for the state of Nuevo León.”
García noted that Nuevo León, including his home city of Monterrey, has a similar business and industrial community to Hays County. He explained that this is why a partnership between the two is so important, especially after the effects of COVID-19.
“Texas and Nuevo León have the opportunity to show the world we’re a microsection that can compete with China, Asia and any other country in the world,” García said. “There is much more to talk about than tourism. There is a lot of potential in energy, minerals and manufacturing.”
The discussion was open to questions from the community members, which included business owners and entrepreneurs from the area. Topics ranged from sharing resources and ideas between universities to enhancing small business commerce.
García says that while Nuevo León is exceptionally busy, important and successful, it has often been left behind because there are other states that need more presidential and federal support. He says that this is why his administration is taking it upon itself to take this initiative and seek out funds that will promote jobs and help small businesses between both countries.
Becerra praised García’s efforts, saying that he came from a small business background and that the government should help business owners, not hinder them.
“My philosophy has always been, ‘What are you working on? How can I help?’” Becerra said. “That’s what governments are best equipped to do: facilitate access and roadmaps to help the businesses come to life instead of overburdening them needlessly. Small business is the backbone of our country.”
At the press conference, Judge Becerra also declared July 13 as “Governor Samuel García Day,” awarding him with a proclamation and Texas flag.
