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International Business

Houston is a thriving, international city with one of the nation's largest consular corps and business and cultural 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 companies doing business around the clock, Houston is well-positioned to connect your business to the world market. The Partnership is connected to a global network of economic development organizations promoting international trade and investment through the Houston World Trade Association.

International Cos. Grew Jobs by 21% in Texas Over 5-Year Period

Foreign companies operating in Texas grew jobs in the Lone Star State by 21% over five years. The report by the Global Business Alliance trade group shows foreign direct investment (FDI) accounts for more than 678,000 jobs in Texas, with roughly 30% of those in the manufacturing sector.

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A Visit from the President of Panama and the Impact of the Panama Canal

President Laurentino Cortizo came to Houston in July to celebrate the five year anniversary of the expansion of the Panama Canal and discuss opportunities to further expand trade between Houston and Asia and other global markets through Panama.

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Chair of International Investment and Trade Discusses Houston's Position as a Great Global City

As a thriving, global city, Houston’s ties stretch to all corners of the world. The region's geographic location makes it easy to move both goods and people around the world efficiently.

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Explore what makes Houston the right global partner for your business.

Foreign Trade

Houston is one of the largest international trading hubs in the Americas. In fact, more of the region's economy is tied to exports than any other metro in the U.S. The region has trading relationships with more than 200 countries and for 37 of those countries, combined trade (imports and exports) exceeds $1 billion annually.

Trade Data
Consulates

Consular Corps

With more than 90 different nations represented, Houston is home to the third-largest consular corps in the United States. Get contact information and links to the various consulates and official offices.

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Airports

The Houston Airport System ranks as one of the largest multi-airport systems in North America. George Bush Intercontinental Airport and William P. Hobby Airport offer direct passenger service to 118 domestic and 71 international destinations via 28 different airlines. HAS handled a total of 461,425 metric tons of air freight in 2017, with about half of that domestic and the other half international.

Airports Data
Economic Development

Texas and Houston Maintain Their Leadership in Fortune 500 Headquarters

6/5/23
Texas has once again solidified its position as the leading sta...
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Port

The region is home to a number of ports including the ports of Houston, Galveston, Freeport and Texas City. The Port of Houston ranks first in the nation in foreign tonnage and is the largest container port on the Gulf Coast.

Port Data
Demography

Houston DiverseCity Summit

The Greater Houston Partnership invites you to join us as a sponsor for the Houston DiverseCity Summit on Wednesday, October 4. The Summit is more than an event. It is an inspiring one-day convening to…

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Taxes & Incentives

Texas and Houston understand the need for a stable, business-friendly and transparent tax structure. Texas is one of the few states without a personal, state or corporate income tax, which makes the cost of doing business very competitive. Houston's cost-effective tax structure makes it a choice location for any company looking to establish a presence or expand their current footprint.

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$234.0 billion

Houston's total trade valued $196.9 billion in '20

Regional Profile

From energy and life sciences to manufacturing and aerospace, the Houston region offers a dynamic infrastructure to support a number of thriving, core industries.

Explore the Industries
Economic Development

BIO International 2023

Houston regional partners and leaders are headed to the 2023 BIO International Convention, — the world’s largest gathering of the biotechnology industry. We invite you to come see us at Booth 1472 and learn…

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Meet Us at an Upcoming Event

Demography

Houston DiverseCity Summit

The Greater Houston Partnership invites you to join us as a sponsor for the Houston DiverseCity Summit on Wednesday, October 4. The Summit is more than an event. It is an inspiring one-day convening to catalyze change, improve outcomes, and create a more diverse, equitable and inclusive Houston region. The Summit is the only local event that focuses on driving collective action of the business community to reduce inequities, showcases Houston's regional DEI thought leaders and uses data to inform content offerings and drive change. Designed for DEI, HR, talent, supplier diversity professionals and employee resource group leaders, this inspiring event contributes to the Houston business community's collective efforts to provide opportunity for all and is dedicated to advancing equity and inclusion by sharing practical ways to improve outcomes and shape workplace culture, unleash the value of our diversity, and champion DEI. The Summit will offer the first look at key findings from the biennial Houston Regional Equity & Inclusion Assessment. The assessment results will show how Houston's business community has progressed since the inaugural assessment in 2021 and offer industry insights. By sponsoring the Houston DiverseCity Summit, you will demonstrate your commitment to your stakeholders and to creating a more inclusive workplace and business community. Join us as we come together to advance progress and inspire innovation. Houston DiverseCity Summit includes:  15+ speakers  Diversity, equity and inclusion best practices and actionable insights to implement change Key findings and industry insights from the 2023 Houston Regional Equity & Inclusion Assessment    5 interactive breakout sessions featuring emerging ideas and practical strategies to improve outcomes and navigate organizational change Peer learning and networking to help participants connect with regional leaders Luncheon conversation featuring DEI practitioners and thought leaders  And more!  

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Additional Resources

For international companies looking to establish a presence in Houston and existing businesses in the region looking to expand their footprint abroad, there are a number of resources that can help. 

Need more information about Houston? Your dedicated team member can help:

 
Facilitate and foster key introductions
 
Assist in evaluating and applying for incentives
 
Identify potential business facilities
Looking for the rest of our team?
Partnership Staff
Have someone from our Economic Development Team contact you:
Executive Partners