Glenn Hamer Sees North American Business Partnerships as Key to Future Economic Growth

The relationship between the United States and Mexico continues to influence the direction of North American business, with international trade, industrial investment and emerging technologies creating opportunities for closer cooperation. As companies look to strengthen supply chains and prepare for changing economic demands, the importance of maintaining productive relationships between neighbouring countries has become increasingly apparent.

Glenn Hamer, Vice President of the American Society of Mexico and former President and CEO of the Texas Association of Business, explored these developments during an extended visit to Mexico City in July 2026. His discussions with business representatives and government officials provided an opportunity to examine the industries, investments and partnerships contributing to the region’s economic development.

Hamer emerged from the visit with a positive assessment of the relationship, describing economic integration between the United States and Mexico as an accelerating process. His observations reflected the extensive commercial connections already established between the countries, alongside opportunities arising from advances in technology, energy infrastructure and international investment.

Rather than concentrating exclusively on traditional trade, the visit highlighted how North America’s future competitiveness may increasingly depend on cooperation across several interconnected industries.

The Changing Nature of North American Commerce

The economic relationship between the United States and Mexico has developed considerably over recent decades. What was once viewed primarily through the movement of manufactured goods now encompasses technology services, advanced industrial processes, energy resources and international business partnerships.

Companies operating across the region frequently depend on suppliers, customers and specialist services located in both countries. These relationships create commercial opportunities while encouraging businesses to consider North America as a connected economic environment.

During his time in Mexico City, Glenn Hamer observed the substantial international business presence within the Mexican capital. American companies remain particularly prominent, with organisations including Google, Apple, Amazon, Tesla, Walmart and Costco maintaining operations in Mexico.

The presence of these companies illustrates the country’s importance to businesses operating across different sectors, from technology and retail to manufacturing and logistics.

Hamer also noted the growing commercial activity of Chinese companies, particularly within automotive manufacturing and telecommunications.

This wider international interest demonstrates Mexico’s significance as a destination for businesses seeking access to North American markets. It also reinforces the value of maintaining competitive conditions for companies investing throughout the region.

For American businesses, especially those operating in states with established commercial connections to Mexico, understanding these developments is an important part of long-term planning.

Glenn Hamer Highlights the Value of Established Trade Relationships

An important element of Hamer’s visit involved discussions surrounding the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, commonly referred to as USMCA.

The agreement provides an established framework for commercial activity between the three countries and plays a significant role in supporting cross-border business relationships.

During a visit to Palacio Nacional in Mexico City’s historic Zócalo, Hamer communicated the American business community’s support for the agreement.

He welcomed Mexico’s interest in extending its provisions and also acknowledged Canada’s support for a 16-year extension.

For businesses making substantial investments, the continuation of established trade arrangements can provide greater confidence when planning future operations.

Manufacturing facilities, distribution networks and international partnerships often require considerable financial commitments. Companies therefore benefit from understanding the trading conditions likely to affect their activities over an extended period.

The importance of these arrangements extends beyond major corporations. Smaller manufacturers, logistics providers and specialist suppliers frequently participate in international supply chains connected to larger businesses.

When commercial relationships between countries remain productive, opportunities can develop throughout these networks.

Hamer’s observations emphasised the value of cooperation in maintaining an environment where companies can invest, establish partnerships and pursue growth across national borders.

Why Mexico City Matters to International Investors

Mexico City occupies an important position within the country’s economic and political landscape. As a major centre for government, finance and international commerce, it provides a setting for discussions that can influence business relationships throughout North America.

For international companies, maintaining a presence in the capital can support engagement with policymakers, industry organisations and potential commercial partners.

Hamer’s visit demonstrated the range of discussions taking place within this environment, extending from established trade arrangements to technology development and energy requirements.

The capital’s international business community also reflects Mexico’s ability to attract companies from different parts of the world.

Organisations considering expansion into the region may be interested in the country’s access to North American markets, established manufacturing capabilities and connections with international investors.

However, successful investment depends on more than geographical location. Businesses must also consider infrastructure, commercial regulations, workforce requirements and the availability of reliable suppliers.

The relationships developed through business organisations and international chambers of commerce can help companies explore these considerations and identify opportunities for cooperation.

Glenn Hamer’s engagement with representatives from different sectors illustrated the importance of maintaining these connections as commercial relationships continue to evolve.

Energy Infrastructure Supports the Next Generation of Industry

One of the most significant opportunities discussed during the visit concerned the growing relationship between energy production and technological development.

Modern businesses rely heavily on electricity, but emerging technologies are creating additional demands for dependable energy infrastructure.

Artificial intelligence is a particularly important example. The computing facilities supporting AI applications require substantial processing capacity, which in turn creates demand for electricity, cooling equipment and supporting infrastructure.

As investment in artificial intelligence continues, the availability of reliable energy supplies is becoming an increasingly important consideration for companies developing large-scale computing facilities.

Hamer highlighted North America’s energy resources as a potential advantage in meeting these requirements.

Mexico already imports considerable quantities of natural gas from Texas, demonstrating the established commercial relationship between the two energy markets.

He also identified the development of data centre infrastructure around Querétaro as an area that could contribute to future energy demand.

These developments illustrate how investment in one industry can generate opportunities across several others.

Technology companies require infrastructure to support their operations, while energy producers and specialist contractors may benefit from the additional demand created by new facilities.

The construction and operation of data centres can also involve engineering services, telecommunications infrastructure and technical expertise.

For North American businesses, this connection between energy and technology represents an important area for future cooperation.

Technology Investment Creates Opportunities Across Borders

The increasing importance of technology was reflected in discussions involving semiconductor development and other advanced industries.

During his Mexico City visit, Glenn Hamer met with a senior aide at the Mexican Senate who was familiar with technology, finance and semiconductors.

These discussions highlighted the relevance of emerging technologies to the wider economic relationship.

Semiconductors are essential to numerous industries, including automotive manufacturing, telecommunications, consumer electronics and industrial automation.

Their production involves specialised processes and complex international supply chains, creating opportunities for cooperation between companies with different technical capabilities.

As businesses invest in increasingly sophisticated products and manufacturing systems, access to advanced electronic components remains an important commercial consideration.

Closer cooperation between American and Mexican businesses could support opportunities involving technology development, component manufacturing and related services.

The benefits may also extend to companies providing equipment, engineering support and specialist technical expertise.

Although individual investment decisions depend on commercial circumstances, the broader direction of technological development demonstrates why international business relationships remain important.

Hamer’s discussions suggested that technology should be regarded as a central component of North American economic cooperation rather than a separate industry operating outside traditional trade.

International Collaboration Brings Additional Expertise

The visit also provided opportunities to explore business relationships extending beyond the United States and Mexico.

Glenn Hamer met with Sony Chalouh, president of the Cámara de Comercio México-Israel, to discuss potential connections between Israeli technology companies and businesses operating in North America.

Their discussions included opportunities involving companies in Texas, Arizona and Florida, alongside businesses based in Mexico.

Hamer highlighted Israeli expertise in areas including desalination, drip irrigation and cyber defence.

Each of these technologies has practical applications across important industries.

Desalination can contribute to water supply strategies, particularly in areas where conventional resources face pressure. Drip irrigation can help agricultural businesses manage water more efficiently, while cyber defence supports organisations seeking to protect digital infrastructure and sensitive information.

These capabilities demonstrate how international partnerships can bring specialist knowledge to businesses addressing practical operational challenges.

Technology companies entering new markets may benefit from relationships with established local organisations, while businesses seeking innovative solutions can gain access to expertise developed elsewhere.

The potential for cooperation between Israeli, Mexican and American businesses reflects the increasingly international nature of technological development.

Hamer’s discussions illustrated how existing commercial relationships can provide a foundation for exploring additional partnerships.

Business Leadership and the Importance of International Engagement

Economic cooperation depends not only on formal trade agreements but also on the relationships developed between businesses, industry representatives and public institutions.

Meetings involving commercial organisations can provide opportunities to exchange information, discuss investment priorities and identify areas where cooperation may be beneficial.

Glenn Hamer’s visit to Mexico City brought together several of these elements.

His engagements covered trade policy, advanced technology, international investment and the infrastructure needed to support future economic activity.

The breadth of these discussions demonstrates how business leadership increasingly involves understanding connections between different industries.

Decisions concerning energy infrastructure may influence technology investment. Trade arrangements can affect manufacturing strategies. International partnerships may introduce specialist capabilities that support established businesses.

Recognising these relationships can help organisations make more informed decisions about their future activities.

Hamer’s observations also reflected the importance of maintaining constructive dialogue between the United States and Mexico.

Although businesses must respond to changing market conditions and government policies, established commercial relationships can provide a foundation for continued cooperation.

A Broader Perspective on North America’s Economic Future

The developments discussed during the July 2026 visit demonstrate the increasingly connected nature of North America’s economy.

Manufacturing and international trade remain important, but technological innovation, energy requirements and specialist international partnerships are becoming equally relevant to discussions about future growth.

For companies operating throughout the region, these changes present opportunities to explore new markets, strengthen commercial relationships and invest in developing industries.

They also highlight the importance of infrastructure and effective international cooperation.

Businesses considering expansion must assess practical requirements, including energy availability, technology capabilities, supply chains and access to suitable commercial partners.

The United States and Mexico possess established economic connections that can support these activities, although future progress will depend on continued investment and constructive engagement.

Glenn Hamer’s assessment following his Mexico City visit was notably positive, emphasising the strength of existing relationships and the opportunities emerging from closer economic integration.

His observations suggest that the future of North American commerce will be shaped by the ability of businesses and institutions to work together across traditional industry boundaries.

As technology continues to influence manufacturing, energy and international investment, cooperation between the United States and Mexico is likely to remain an important consideration for businesses seeking sustainable growth and long-term commercial opportunities.