El Paso County, Chihuahua State Leaders Meet on Tornillo Port, Aerospace, Growth

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El Paso County officials and the government of the Mexican state of Chihuahua met to discuss several collaborative projects, including improving operations at the Tornillo-Guadalupe border crossing, developing the aerospace industry, and creating a binational committee to coordinate infrastructure and economic development. The two sides signed a non-binding letter of intent to activate the Binational Public Policy Roundtable between El Paso County and Chihuahua.

Why it matters

The meeting represents an effort by officials on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border to strengthen economic ties and regional competitiveness through improved cross-border coordination and joint initiatives. The Tornillo port and aerospace industry are key economic drivers for the El Paso-Juárez region, making this collaboration important for future growth and prosperity.

The details

During the meeting, El Paso County Commissioners Sergio Coronado and Iliana Holguin signed a non-binding Letter of Intent with Chihuahua's Secretary of Innovation and Economic Development, Ulises Fernandez Gamboa. This letter is the first step toward activating the Binational Public Policy Roundtable between the two regions. The goal is to study operational efficiencies at the Tornillo border crossing, develop the aerospace industry, and coordinate infrastructure and economic development strategies.

• The meeting took place on March 13, 2026.

What’s next

The next step is for the Binational Public Policy Roundtable to be formally activated, allowing the two regions to begin coordinating on specific initiatives related to the Tornillo port, aerospace industry, and economic development.