Greater Houston Partnership

Targeted sectors include energy, health care, sports and tourism

Mayor Sylvester Turner and the Greater Houston Partnership will lead a delegation of top Houston-area business representatives on a trade mission to Mexico City Nov. 20–22. The delegation will focus on growing Houston’s investment and trade relationship with Mexico. More than 1,000 Houston companies report doing business with Mexico, and total trade between Houston and Mexico was valued at close to $17.7 billion in 2015. The region also offers 425 non-stop flights per week from Houston to 27 Mexican airports.

The Houston delegation will host two high-level business forums: one focused on exchanging best practices and intellectual capital in the energy industry featuring a keynote address by Roberta Jacobson, U.S. Ambassador to Mexico; and a medical research forum led by Dr. Bobby Robbins, President and CEO of the Texas Medical Center, the world’s largest medical complex, to explore collaborative opportunities on genomic medicine and obesity-related diseases. Additionally, delegates will meet with various high-level government officials including Mexico City Mayor Miguel Mancera, Secretary of Economy Ildefonso Guajardo, and Secretary of Finance and Public Credit Jose Antonio Meade.

“As we work to expand Houston’s economic reach around the world, we must not forget to continue to nurture ties with our neighbors south of the border,” said Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner. “This trip is about building upon the excellent relationship we already enjoy with Mexico. It is also about marketing Houston as a tourism destination. World class sports, shopping, arts and culture are just a short flight away thanks to Houston’s two international airports.”

As Houston’s second largest trading partner, Mexico is a key focus of the region’s international efforts. “Houston is uniquely positioned – through its economy, culture and status as a Knowledge Capital – to be a strategic partner in the exchange of technology, expertise and best practices with our Mexican counterparts,” said Bob Harvey, President and CEO of the Greater Houston Partnership.

In addition to business and trade opportunities, the delegation will also focus on tourism and entertainment. “Houston has a well-deserved reputation as a great place to do business and features first-class amenities and an incredible quality of life. In Houston, the opportunities are limitless for businesses, residents and tourists alike,” said Jamey Rootes, Houston Texans President and Chair of the Greater Houston Partnership. The joint delegation coincides with the first ever Monday Night Football Game outside of the United States, featuring the Houston Texans vs. the Oakland Raiders on Nov. 21.

With more than 100 languages spoken, Houston is the most ethnically diverse metro in the nation. “Mexico is Houston’s number one international leisure market. Our marketing campaign ‘Hola Houston’ has been well received among travelers, and we want to capitalize on that momentum to showcase not only our sports teams, but how cool our city is,” said Mike Waterman, President and CEO of Visit Houston. “Visit Houston is excited to join Mayor Turner, the Partnership and the Houston Texans on this historic visit.”

Led by the City of Houston and the Greater Houston Partnership, the Houston delegation also includes representatives from The Plank Company; Accenture; Tietronix Software; Tesco Corporation; The Atlantic Partners Group, LLC; Linebarger, Goggan, Blair & Sampson LLC; the Houston Minority Supplier Development Council; the Houston Airport System and the Port of Houston.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner. “ I am proud that HFD consistently achieves that status while utilizing strategic partnerships, innovation, best practices and shared sacrifice.” — Turner…“We can’t say that Houston is a world class city unless we are reaching out and establishing international relationships.”

Mayor Sylvester Turner and Greater Houston Partnership Board Chair Jamey Rootes are leading a 30-member delegation on a three-day investment and trade mission to Cuba. Representatives from the Texas Medical Center, Houston Port Authority, Houston Airport System, Houston Community College, Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, United Airlines and several City Council Members and Houston based companies are accompanying the mayor on this historic trip. This is the mayor’s first trade mission and the first time a Houston mayor has visited Cuba.

“We can’t say that Houston is a world class city unless we are reaching out and establishing international relationships,” said Mayor Turner. “This trip speaks to the special connection Houston has with Latin America. With the changes brought about by the Obama Administration and the new direct flight between Houston and Cuba, there are opportunities to explore in the areas of healthcare, sports, energy, trade and the arts. I want to begin the delicate process of drawing Houston and Cuba closer together.”

“We want Cuba to think of Houston as its preferred partner and gateway to America,” said Greater Houston Partnership President & CEO Bob Harvey. “More than a decade ago, the business community voiced its support for opened relations with the country. We are excited about the opportunity to strengthen ties with Cuba.”

Plans for this trade mission began in late 2015 when U.S. Ambassador Jeffrey DeLaurentis visited Houston as part of the U.S. State Department’s Experience America program. Houston made a strong impression, and the ambassador quickly returned for another visit after Mayor Turner took office.

The trade delegation’s itinerary includes meetings with Ambassador DeLaurentis and the Cuban Ministers of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment, Energy and Mines, Tourism and Public Health as well as the Cuban National Institute of Sports.

The U.S. and Cuba are natural trade partners, especially in the area of U.S. agricultural exports. In 2014, Cuba imported nearly $2 billion of agricultural products. It is estimated that shipments between Texas and Cuba will increase to $18.8 million. These exports to Cuba would have a total economic impact of nearly $43 million. Cuban imports from Texas also include oil, machinery, automobiles, iron and steel. The Port of Houston would likely be a major benefactor of this increased activity.

On July 20, 2015, the U.S. and Cuba restored full diplomatic ties for the first time in 50 years when they reopened their embassies in each other’s capitals.

United Airlines begins nonstop flights to Cuba from Bush Intercontinental Airport on November 29.

Targeted sectors include energy, health care, sports and tourism

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