Along the U.S.-Mexico border, communities like El Paso and Ciudad Juárez — much like other pairs of “sister cities” — are bound by deep historical, cultural and family ties, as well as a vibrant regional economy that supports tens of thousands of jobs and sustains a significant share of bilateral trade.
That economic engine continues to show remarkable strength. In the second quarter of 2025 alone, the state of Chihuahua exported more than $26 billion in goods — an increase of 43% compared with the same quarter of 2024, according to the latest data from the Mexican National Institute of Statistics and Geography, or INEGI. These numbers reflect a robust industrial base fully integrated into North American supply chains.
Yet it is equally important to recognize that this dynamic economy places pressure on local infrastructure and the quality of life for border residents. The region’s interdependence, the inherently cross-border nature of its economic activity and the fact that both countries share natural resources and air basins, all underscore a shared responsibility to push for a more prosperous future, while also ensuring clean water, air and land for all.
At the North American Development Bank, or NADBank, we support infrastructure projects that deliver a triple benefit: strengthening economic competitiveness, improving quality of life and enhancing general well-being. To advance this mission, we provide financing, as well as technical assistance that helps border communities generate the data and expertise needed to pursue long-term solutions…