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International Business Month

In recognition of World Trade Month, the Greater Houston Partnership is hosting International Business Month— a celebration of Houston's thriving international ties and our position as one of today's great global cities. 

Throughout May, the Partnership will highlight Houston’s international business acumen, the reach of its global infrastructure and unique multiculturalism through a series of programming and exclusive content. 

2023 events include:

  • Strong, Diverse 21st Century Economy Forum: Manufacturing, Logistics and Distribution - May 2
  • State of Houston's Global Economy - May 12
  • Business Beyond Borders - May 31

International Business in Houston

Houston is a thriving, international city with ties stretching to all corners of the world. The region's geographic location makes it easy to move both goods and people around the world efficiently. From the Port of Houston and the Houston Airport System to a host of multi-national entities doing business around the clock, Houston is where you want to be to connect your business to the world. 

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Events

Diverse Economy Forum: Manufacturing, Logistics and Distribution - May 2

Strong, Diverse 21st Century Economy Forums highlight several of the top industries driving growth and innovation in Houston and the Partnership’s work attracting top global companies to Houston, creating jobs and growing the region’s GDP.

Houston has the skilled workforce, expertise and logistics capabilities needed to manufacture, transport and distribute goods to customers across the country and around the world – positioning it as the ideal location for businesses to connect across the globe.

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Business Beyond Borders - May 31

The Partnership will hold Business Beyond Borders on May 31 exclusively as part of International Business Month. This event will highlight the region's global ties. Stay tuned for more information.

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State of Houston's Global Economy - May 12

Patrick Jankowski, Senior Vice President of Research for the Partnership, will deliver his annual Global Economy report and provide an analysis of global business and economic trends and their impact on our local market.

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Haynes and Boone, LLP
Pasadena Economic Development Corporation
Houston Association of Realtors

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Related News

International Business

How Houston Continues to Attract International Businesses to the Region

11/29/23
Renowned for its global connectivity, skilled workforce and affordability, Houston has emerged as a magnet for international businesses aiming to expand their operations and capitalize on the city's unique advantages. With close proximity to major ports, including the Port of Houston, and access to international flights via George Bush Intercontinental Airport, which was recently ranked among the top 10 best airports in the nation, Houston can provide critical resources that other major metros can’t, making it a premier location for international businesses. In 2022, Houston’s top trading partners included Mexico, China, South Korea, Brazil and the Netherlands, according to the Partnership’s Global Houston report.  Houston’s rich cultural tapestry also contributes to its global appeal. The Bayou City is one of the most diverse cities in the nation, where one-in-four residents are foreign born. A testament to the city’s ever-growing diversity, Houston’s foreign-born population grew by 370,000 residents over the last decade, with international migration accounting for one-third of those gains, according to the Partnership’s monthly report.  Houston is also home to the Texas Medical Center (TMC), which boasts world-class institutions and facilities and serves as a catalyst for cutting-edge research and development in the region, adding to the city’s allure. In October, TMC opened its TMC3 Collaborative Building, the first phase of its groundbreaking 37-acre campus dubbed Helix Park, further attracting businesses to curate and grow their ideas at the heart of the largest life science destination in the world.   Other significant infrastructure includes the Houston Spaceport, which is anchored by many leading aerospace companies including Axiom Space, Collins Aerospace and Intuitive Machines.  Houston was recently crowned the No.1 most attractive U.S. city for foreign multinationals to do business in the annual Financial Times-Nikkei ranking.  “This ranking is a testament to Houston’s position as a thriving global city with a diverse mix of industries that are attractive to international investment,” said Partnership President and CEO Bob Harvey in a statement. “Houston has long been a global gateway and is seen as having an inviting business climate. Rankings like this bolster our case as we continue to attract companies from around the world.” Known as Houston’s front door, the Partnership actively works to forge powerful business connections across the globe. In Q3 2023, the Partnership played a crucial role in driving three international companies to Houston, including Turkey-based Aksa Power Generation, a portable industrial generator manufacturer, Cimsa, a Turkish cement manufacturer and Konec, a South Korean auto parts manufacturer.  Additionally, Belgium-based John Cockerill Hydrogen, a steering committee member of the Partnership’s Houston Energy Transition Initiative, recently announced its expansion to the Houston-area with a new hydrogen manufacturing facility in Baytown.  Partnership member Sino Biological, a leading biotech company headquartered in Beijing, China, also announced the opening of its Center for Bioprocessing at Levit Green, Houston’s 53-acre master-planned life sciences district. Learn more about what makes Houston a global city. 
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International Business

How Houston Continues to Attract International Businesses to the Region

11/29/23
Renowned for its global connectivity, skilled workforce and affordability, Houston has emerged as a magnet for international businesses aiming to expand their operations and capitalize on the city's unique advantages. With close proximity to major ports, including the Port of Houston, and access to international flights via George Bush Intercontinental Airport, which was recently ranked among the top 10 best airports in the nation, Houston can provide critical resources that other major metros can’t, making it a premier location for international businesses. In 2022, Houston’s top trading partners included Mexico, China, South Korea, Brazil and the Netherlands, according to the Partnership’s Global Houston report.  Houston’s rich cultural tapestry also contributes to its global appeal. The Bayou City is one of the most diverse cities in the nation, where one-in-four residents are foreign born. A testament to the city’s ever-growing diversity, Houston’s foreign-born population grew by 370,000 residents over the last decade, with international migration accounting for one-third of those gains, according to the Partnership’s monthly report.  Houston is also home to the Texas Medical Center (TMC), which boasts world-class institutions and facilities and serves as a catalyst for cutting-edge research and development in the region, adding to the city’s allure. In October, TMC opened its TMC3 Collaborative Building, the first phase of its groundbreaking 37-acre campus dubbed Helix Park, further attracting businesses to curate and grow their ideas at the heart of the largest life science destination in the world.   Other significant infrastructure includes the Houston Spaceport, which is anchored by many leading aerospace companies including Axiom Space, Collins Aerospace and Intuitive Machines.  Houston was recently crowned the No.1 most attractive U.S. city for foreign multinationals to do business in the annual Financial Times-Nikkei ranking.  “This ranking is a testament to Houston’s position as a thriving global city with a diverse mix of industries that are attractive to international investment,” said Partnership President and CEO Bob Harvey in a statement. “Houston has long been a global gateway and is seen as having an inviting business climate. Rankings like this bolster our case as we continue to attract companies from around the world.” Known as Houston’s front door, the Partnership actively works to forge powerful business connections across the globe. In Q3 2023, the Partnership played a crucial role in driving three international companies to Houston, including Turkey-based Aksa Power Generation, a portable industrial generator manufacturer, Cimsa, a Turkish cement manufacturer and Konec, a South Korean auto parts manufacturer.  Additionally, Belgium-based John Cockerill Hydrogen, a steering committee member of the Partnership’s Houston Energy Transition Initiative, recently announced its expansion to the Houston-area with a new hydrogen manufacturing facility in Baytown.  Partnership member Sino Biological, a leading biotech company headquartered in Beijing, China, also announced the opening of its Center for Bioprocessing at Levit Green, Houston’s 53-acre master-planned life sciences district. Learn more about what makes Houston a global city.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Greater Houston Partnership (@ghpartnership)
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Houston Consular Corps

With approximately 90 different nations represented, Houston is home to the third-largest consular corps in the United States. 

Data on International Activity

Foreign Trade

See the latest foreign trade figures through the Port of Houston.

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Aviation

Get the latest figures on international and domestic air travel through Houston.

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Customs District Rankings

Houston ranks as the nation’s sixth busiest customs district, with more than $194.3 billion in total trade in 2020.

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