United States of America shares 2000 mile border with its southern neighbor Mexico.

Over the years, USA took many steps to increase the security of the border. Though, increased security checked illegal activities, one negative impact was bottleneck it created in transportation of legitimate goods and people. To make the situation better, q new bridge has been constructed to smoothen the flow of products and travelers alike. Anzalduas International Bridge is set to open in October 2009 and will connect Mission, Texas, a part of the larger McAllen MSA, to border community of Reynosa, Mexico.

According to Pat Townsend Jr. CEO of the Mission Economic Development Authority ?Anzalduas will be the newest and one of largest border crossings in the country, and will directly increase traffic flow for industrial, retail, commercial travelers and tourists?.

There are eight international bridges connecting the Mission area, Texas to the industrial border communities of Reynosa, Matamoros and Monterrey in Mexico. These areas have a population of more than 5 million people. Monterrey is one of the prominent city in Mexico. Besides being the third largest city of Mexico, it’s also inhabited by wealthy Mexican citizens. Monterrey is just three hours drive from Mission, Texas.

The border areas of USA and Mexico are very deeply connected in terms of economy, trade, commerce and tourism. The town of Mission is a major retail market for Mexican products and good, hence it impacts the Mexican economy in a large way. According to some estimates, in 2008 Mexican disposable income accounted for more than a third of annual retail sales from retail to second homes and even banking.

Locals and experts alike concur that, this is a very unique international area and every step has to be taken to remove the barriers to the traffic across the border.

Despite recessionary economic trends all over the United States, Mission-McAllen ranked the best medium-sized city for jobs in the country by Forbes.com in April, 2009.

The main job growth drivers have been retail, government, education and health care sectors. The current GDP is $15.6 billion and it’s projected to increase to $16.6 billion by the end of year 2010. With Mission ’s businesses and commerce scenarios looking very upbeat, Anzalduas Bridge will help it achieve more growth in many years to come.

Also, North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has opened new exciting possibilities for international trade between USA, Mexico and Canada. Border cities like Mission, are capitalizing on this market expansion and are set to boom in recent years.

Author: Tom Budniak

Mexico has it all: breathtaking mountains, ancient cities and a vibrant nightlife.

If you are thinking of buying properties in the Ixtapa real estate market it is most likely you are asking yourself ?What?s happing in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo?? Cultural events are an important consideration for anyone looking for Mexico Real Estate; fishing, surfing, cheerleading tournaments, cultural celebrations, great food – Ixtapa offers a wide variety of events and activities for people of all tastes, as this sample of events from the past year shows.

Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo welcomed the year with a spectacular display of fireworks. At exactly 11:59:50 on December 31st, 2008, a 15-minute-long show of continuous fireworks began, with shapes of chrysanthemums and the traditional ?castles in the air.? The incredible display could be enjoyed from various beaches in Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa ? a real bonus for anyone considering Ixtapa Beachfront Real Estate. More than 100 different restaurants and hotels offered wine, liquors and Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo?s famous cooking traditions to visitors and residents who celebrated the New Year here.

One of the advantages of Mexico Beachfront Real Estate is the sea and all the activities and adventure it offers. At the beginning of May Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo hosted the 26th International Sailfish Tournament, which included marlins as well. Ixtapa is internationally recognized as one of the best destinations for sport fishing ? during this season Sailfish in the area can reach up to 175 pounds.
Almost immediately following the fishing tournament, the city hosted the 15th National Cheerleading Championship, organized by the Asociacion Nacional de Porristas (National Cheerleading Association). The event welcomed more than 1000 participants from universities throughout the country. The Association is recognized on an international level, having participated in competitions such as ?The United States All Star Federation?, ?The International All Star Federation?, ?The International All Star Federation for cheer and dance teams? and the ?Australian All Star Cheerleading Federation.? Likewise the competition was judged by an international panel.

Last year, from September 18th to 21st, Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo also hosted the Latin-American Surfing Tournament, a six-star competition (the highest possible category in surfing championships), and the most important competition of its type in Latin America. This was made possible by the logistic support, planning and organization of various local and national organizations, and by the ideal conditions in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo. The city welcomed more than 100 participants from various countries including Costa Rica, Colombia, Peru, Mexico, Argentina, Panama, Venezuela, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. The competition took place on ?El Palmar? beach in Ixtapa, one of the most ideal places for surfing not only in Mexico but also in the world.