North America has significant opportunities to strengthen its position in the global economy through closer cooperation in technology, manufacturing and energy. With businesses increasingly focused on supply chain resilience, digital infrastructure and international investment, the economic relationship between the United States and Mexico is becoming an important consideration for companies planning their future development.
Glenn Hamer, Vice President of the American Society of Mexico and former President and CEO of the Texas Association of Business, explored these opportunities during an extended visit to Mexico City in July 2026. His meetings with government representatives, business leaders and international organisations provided insight into the commercial relationships supporting economic activity across the region.
Following the visit, Hamer expressed confidence in the direction of US-Mexico economic cooperation, describing integration between the two countries as accelerating. His observations highlighted the importance of established trading relationships alongside opportunities involving artificial intelligence, energy infrastructure, semiconductor technology and international partnerships.
The discussions also demonstrated how North America’s economic prospects are increasingly connected to its ability to support technological development while maintaining productive relationships between businesses operating across national borders.
Building on North America’s Established Economic Strengths
The United States and Mexico have developed extensive commercial relationships involving manufacturing, energy, technology and international trade. These connections support businesses ranging from major multinational corporations to smaller companies providing specialist products and services.
Geographical proximity is an important advantage. Companies operating across North America can establish relationships with suppliers, manufacturers and customers located in neighbouring countries, creating opportunities to coordinate production and distribution.
However, geographical location alone does not determine commercial success. Businesses also require dependable infrastructure, suitable trading arrangements and access to the expertise needed to maintain competitive operations.
During his Mexico City visit, Glenn Hamer highlighted the substantial presence of American companies within the Mexican economy.
Major organisations including Google, Apple, Amazon, Tesla, Walmart and Costco maintain business activities in Mexico, reflecting the country’s importance to international companies operating across several industries.
Hamer also noted the growing presence of Chinese businesses, particularly within automotive manufacturing and telecommunications.
The interest shown by companies from different countries illustrates Mexico’s position within international business strategies. It also demonstrates why maintaining strong commercial relationships is important for American businesses seeking to remain competitive.
For companies operating in Texas and other states with established connections to Mexico, these developments present opportunities to strengthen partnerships and explore emerging markets.
The Role of Technology in Regional Competitiveness
Technological development is increasingly central to discussions about North America’s economic future.
Advanced manufacturing, digital communications, artificial intelligence and semiconductor production are influencing how businesses operate and where they choose to invest.
During his visit, Hamer held discussions at the Mexican Senate involving technology, finance and semiconductor development.
These subjects are particularly relevant because modern industries depend on increasingly sophisticated electronic components and digital systems.
Semiconductors support a wide range of products, from telecommunications equipment and industrial machinery to vehicles and computing infrastructure.
Their production requires specialist knowledge, advanced manufacturing facilities and complex supply chains. Companies involved in these processes often depend on international partnerships to obtain materials, equipment and technical expertise.
Greater cooperation between American and Mexican businesses could create opportunities across different stages of technology development and production.
For manufacturers, access to suitable suppliers and specialist services can influence efficiency and future expansion. Technology companies may also benefit from commercial relationships that support the development of new products and infrastructure.
Glenn Hamer’s observations reflected the importance of recognising technology as a fundamental part of the wider economic relationship.
As industries become increasingly dependent on advanced systems, cooperation involving technological expertise and infrastructure is likely to remain an important consideration for business leaders.
Artificial Intelligence and the Demand for Reliable Infrastructure
Artificial intelligence is creating new opportunities for businesses while introducing substantial requirements for computing and energy infrastructure.
The systems supporting AI applications depend on powerful computing equipment, reliable electricity supplies and effective cooling arrangements.
As organisations invest in increasingly sophisticated artificial intelligence capabilities, the infrastructure required to operate these systems is becoming an important component of economic development.
Hamer identified the relationship between energy production and technology investment as a particularly promising area for North American cooperation.
The region possesses substantial energy resources, while established commercial connections already support the movement of energy products between the United States and Mexico.
Natural gas exports from Texas to Mexico are an important example of this relationship.
Hamer also highlighted the development of data centre infrastructure around Querétaro, identifying the potential for growing energy requirements as investment in computing facilities continues.
These developments demonstrate how technological progress can create commercial opportunities beyond the technology sector itself.
Energy producers, infrastructure developers, engineering businesses and specialist contractors may all have roles in supporting the facilities required for modern computing.
The construction and operation of data centres can involve substantial investment in electricity distribution, cooling equipment, communications networks and technical services.
Reliable infrastructure is essential for businesses operating these facilities, particularly where interruptions could affect important digital operations.
For North American economies, the relationship between energy availability and technological investment represents an opportunity to build on existing industrial strengths.
Manufacturing and Supply Chains Remain Essential
Although emerging technologies are attracting considerable attention, established manufacturing and distribution networks remain fundamental to economic cooperation between the United States and Mexico.
Businesses operating in industries such as automotive production, electronics and industrial equipment frequently depend on international suppliers.
Components may be manufactured in one location, processed or assembled elsewhere and subsequently distributed to customers across different markets.
These arrangements demonstrate how economic activity can extend across national borders while supporting businesses in multiple locations.
Effective supply chains require dependable transport infrastructure, commercial relationships and suitable trading conditions.
Companies also need confidence that they can obtain materials and specialist components when required.
The established connections between American and Mexican manufacturers provide a foundation for continued cooperation, particularly as businesses respond to changing technological requirements.
For example, the increasing use of automation and advanced electronic systems creates additional demand for specialist components and technical expertise.
Manufacturers considering new investments must therefore assess both traditional supply chain requirements and the technologies needed to support future production.
Glenn Hamer’s discussions in Mexico City reflected the importance of considering these industries together rather than treating manufacturing and technology as separate economic activities.
Trade Agreements Provide a Framework for Investment
International trade agreements play an important role in supporting commercial relationships between neighbouring countries.
The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, commonly known as USMCA, provides a framework for trade between the three North American economies.
During a visit to Palacio Nacional in Mexico City’s Zócalo, Hamer communicated support for the agreement on behalf of the American business community.
He welcomed Mexico’s interest in extending its provisions and acknowledged Canada’s support for a 16-year extension.
The continuation of established trading arrangements can be particularly important for companies making long-term investment decisions.
Businesses developing manufacturing facilities, distribution networks or specialist infrastructure often commit substantial resources to projects intended to operate for many years.
An established trading framework can help organisations assess the conditions under which these investments may operate.
The significance of USMCA extends across different sectors, including manufacturing, agriculture, energy and technology-related industries.
Companies participating in international supply chains may also benefit from arrangements that support commercial activity between the three countries.
Hamer’s observations demonstrated the importance placed on continued trade cooperation by business representatives seeking to maintain productive economic relationships.
International Technology Partnerships Expand Commercial Opportunities
North America’s economic development is also influenced by relationships with businesses and organisations outside the region.
During his Mexico City visit, Glenn Hamer met with Sony Chalouh, president of the Cámara de Comercio México-Israel, to discuss potential opportunities for international cooperation.
Their discussions involved connecting Israeli technology companies with businesses operating in Mexico and the United States, particularly in Texas, Arizona and Florida.
Hamer identified Israeli expertise in desalination, drip irrigation and cyber defence as areas with potential commercial applications.
These technologies address challenges affecting several important industries.
Desalination can contribute to water supply planning, while drip irrigation supports agricultural businesses seeking more efficient methods of managing water resources.
Cyber defence is increasingly important for organisations operating connected digital systems, particularly where businesses depend on reliable communications and secure information management.
International partnerships can help introduce specialist knowledge and technologies to organisations seeking practical solutions.
For technology developers, establishing relationships with businesses in new markets can create opportunities to demonstrate products and explore commercial applications.
For companies seeking innovative services, international cooperation may provide access to expertise that complements existing capabilities.
The meeting highlighted the potential for Mexico and the United States to participate in broader international networks involving technological development and commercial investment.
Mexico City’s Position in the International Business Community
Mexico City provides an important setting for discussions involving trade, investment and economic policy.
As a major commercial and political centre, the capital brings together government representatives, international companies and organisations involved in promoting business relationships.
Hamer’s visit demonstrated the range of economic discussions taking place within the city, from established trade arrangements to emerging technologies and international investment.
The presence of major international businesses also reflects Mexico’s importance within wider commercial strategies.
Companies seeking opportunities across North America may consider the country’s geographical position, established industrial capabilities and connections with international markets.
At the same time, successful investment requires careful consideration of infrastructure, commercial conditions and access to suitable business partners.
Meetings between industry representatives and public institutions can help identify shared priorities and encourage constructive engagement.
Glenn Hamer’s discussions illustrated how these relationships contribute to the wider process of developing international commercial opportunities.
Beyond the business agenda, Hamer also spoke positively about Mexico City’s hospitality, cuisine and walkability, describing an experience that combined professional engagement with an appreciation of the capital itself.
A Connected Approach to Future Economic Development
One of the important themes emerging from the July 2026 visit was the increasingly interconnected nature of economic development.
Technology investment depends on reliable energy supplies. Advanced manufacturing requires specialist components and effective supply chains. International partnerships can provide expertise that supports established industries.
These relationships mean that progress in one sector can create opportunities for businesses operating elsewhere in the economy.
For North America, established commercial connections between the United States and Mexico provide a foundation for exploring these developments.
The region’s energy resources, manufacturing capabilities and international business relationships may support investment across a range of industries.
However, future progress will depend on practical decisions involving infrastructure, commercial cooperation and the availability of suitable investment opportunities.
Businesses must also consider changing market conditions and technological requirements when planning their activities.
The observations shared by Glenn Hamer suggest that closer cooperation between the United States and Mexico can contribute to a more connected and competitive regional economy.
Looking Towards North America’s Economic Future
The economic relationship between the United States and Mexico encompasses far more than the movement of goods across a shared border.
It includes international investment, technological development, energy infrastructure, manufacturing and the commercial partnerships supporting businesses throughout the region.
Glenn Hamer’s visit to Mexico City in July 2026 provided an opportunity to examine these relationships and consider the industries influencing future development.
His positive assessment emphasised the strength of established commercial connections while recognising opportunities arising from artificial intelligence, semiconductor technology and international cooperation.
As businesses continue to respond to technological change and evolving market requirements, productive relationships between neighbouring economies will remain important.
North America’s ability to combine its existing industrial capabilities with investment in modern infrastructure could help create opportunities for companies across numerous sectors.
Hamer’s observations offer a perspective on the importance of maintaining strong business relationships and encouraging cooperation as the region prepares for its next phase of economic development.
