The Mayor's Office of International Trade & Development (MOITD) is dedicated to the preservation, promotion and continued growth of Houston's standing as a renowned international city.
The MOITD’s objectives include promoting Houston to the world, bringing Houston recognition as an international city, and bridging international barriers to help Houston's companies expand their business to embrace global partnerships and international trade.
Houston Partners with Shanghai, China, in Cross-Promotion Efforts
On March 22, 2012, the City of Houston and City of Shanghai signed a memorandum
by which both sides agreed to exchange and promote informational videos on their cities.
March 22, 2012 -- Houston Mayor Annise Parker today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Mr. Fen Guoqin, Chairman of the Shanghai's People Political Consultative Committee and President & Secretary general of Shanghai Public Diplomacy Association. The MOU is an agreement to exchange and display two promotional videos about Houston and Shanghai.
Office Updates
Vice President, Shell Oil of Azerbaijan
September 28 — Mayor Annise Parker and Council Member Jarvis Johnson met with Mr. Khalik Mammadov, Vice President of Human Resources, IT, and Regulations of the State Oil Corporation of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR). Mayor Parker and Mr. Mammadov signed a memorandum of understanding whereby SOCAR and Houston will work jointly to establish a Houston-Baku Sister City Friendship Park and Azerbaijan Cultural Center in Houston. Baku and Houston became sister cities in 1976.
President, Republic of South Africa
September 23 — Mayor Annise Parker met with the Honorable Jacob Zuma, President of the Republic of South Africa, and discussed the expansion of business ties between Houston and South Africa and how to best promote mutual trade and investment. President Zuma later spoke at the Greater Houston Partnership, where Council Member James Rodriguez presented to President Zuma with the Jacob G. Zuma RDP Education Trust along with a proclamation from the City of Houston. President Zuma also visited Texas Southern University, where he was awarded an honorary doctorate degree.
Beijing Political Consulting Committee, People’s Republic of China
September 20 - 27 — Mayor Annise Parker met with Mr. Chen Xu, Deputy Secretary General of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Beijing Committee, and a 15-member delegation of government officials. The delegation also met with executives from the Houston Department of Planning and Urban Development, Public Works and Engineering, Health and Human Services and the Office of Emergency Management to learn more about the services the City of Houston provides its citizens.
Photo Gallery
Contact MOITD
Office of International Trade and Development
901 Bagby, 4th Floor
Houston, TX 77002
PHONE: 832.393.0852
FAX: 832.393.0859
Email: moitd@houstontx.gov
Investment in Houston
Houston is a global gateway city, the fourth largest city in the United States, and one of the premier business centers in the world.
Inbound / Outbound Delegations
The Mayor's Office of International Trade & Development seeks to raise global awareness of Houston's leading economic sectors and thriving business community. Toward this end, we function as an official counterpart to the numerous inbound delegations planning their visits to Houston, as well as a planner, coordinator or supporter of outbound Missions departing Houston for international destinations.
If you are planning a delegation to Houston or from Houston to an international venue and have any questions about how our office can be of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at 832.393.0851.
Annual Reports (.pdf) 2011 • 2010 • 2008 • 2007 • 2006 • 2005
Mayor's International Trade and Development Councils
Under the leadership of Mayor Annise Parker, the Mayor’s International Trade and Development Council has refocused its mission on identifying and expanding business opportunities for Houston. The Council is subdivided into seven regional sub-Councils, each representing a geographic region: Africa, the Americas, Asia/Australia, Canada, Europe, the Middle East / North Africa, and South Asia.
The Overarching goal of the MITDCs has been to expand the constructive dialogue between Houston’s international business community and the City government, and to jointly identify opportunities to promote the city of Houston globally – economically, educationally and touristically.