Irapuato Targets New Export Markets
In order to strengthen the capabilities of local businesses, facilitate access to foreign trade tools, and create new business opportunities in international markets, the Federal Economic Competition Commission (Cofece) and the municipality of Irapuato have signed a cooperation agreement to support the international expansion of Irapuato-based companies, according to a press release from state officials.
The initiative seeks to ensure that more businesses, including micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), have access to training, support, and specialized expertise to launch or strengthen their export operations.
According to Cofece estimates, Irapuato’s exports totaled nearly US$1.2 billion in the first half of 2026, representing an approximately 3.8% increase from the same period in 2025. This economic activity covers 78 international destinations and involves 169 companies that employ approximately 23,000 people.
Luis Antonio Vargas Zavala, director general of Cofece, highlighted the importance of working with municipal governments to bring international trade tools to more companies and strengthen Guanajuato’s competitiveness.
“This agreement means that no company seeking to export will be left on its own; it means we can build and strengthen the relationship we currently have with McAllen, our sister city—and just a couple of months ago, we visited them and met with new export companies (…) It also means opening doors and building bridges to markets we haven’t reached yet. We’re talking about the United States, but why not talk about diversification?” said Vargas Zavala.
Meanwhile, Irapuato Mayor Lorena del Carmen Alfaro García highlighted the importance of strengthening institutional coordination to boost economic development, create business opportunities, and expand the presence of local products in new markets.
Under the agreement, special emphasis will be placed on training Irapuato-based companies to participate in a trade mission to McAllen, Texas, in 2027. The program will include courses on foreign trade, international logistics, trade promotion, and business internationalization.
The agreement also includes export conferences aimed at providing MSMEs and entrepreneurs with specialized knowledge, identifying companies with export potential, and strengthening their ability to compete in international markets.
These efforts will also include the production of statistics to support municipal policymaking, as well as public awareness campaigns on regulatory compliance, traceability, and the materiality of foreign trade operations.
