ABSTRACT
This conclusion presents some closing thoughts on the key concepts discussed in the preceding chapters of this book. The book illustrates the difficulty of quantifying many of the socio-economic problems of the border region. It explains in detail one of the physical manifestations of the border problems, the colonias which blight the area. The book explores the role of economic growth and development in eliminating the poverty and unemployment problems on both sides of the border. It discusses the impact of the industry on a number of different sectors. The book also discusses the most realistic hope for curing the ills that afflict the Lower Rio Grande Valley, the North American Free Trade Agreement Given the concentration of industry on the Mexican side of the Rio Grande River and the links to the Texas border counties, any agreement that stimulates trade and investment will affect the level of poverty in the area.
