The Center for Border Economic Studies (CBEST) at The University of Texas-Pan American is a public policy research unit dedicated to the study of problems unique to the U.S./Mexico border economy.

CBEST-affiliated scholars conduct policy-oriented research in four key areas of importance to the border region:

1. Regional economic development and trade;
2. The labor market and immigration;
3. Health and environmental policy; and
4. Information technology.

Objectives

• Focus on interdisciplinary policy-relevant research in support of sustainable economic development.
   
• Publish articles, monographs, books and reports that examine economic, social and political issues in the border region and make them available to policy-makers, business leaders, government officials, academics, students and the border community in order to foster informed decision-making.
   
• Create strategic partnerships with the private sector, foundations, government agencies, multilateral organizations and other research centers to further policy-relevant research that leads to border development.