The Mayor's Office of Trade & International Affairs (MOTIA) is dedicated to the preservation, promotion and continued growth of Houston's standing as a renowned international city.

The MOTIA’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.

To achieve these objectives, the MOTIA provides assistance to foreign businesses looking to expand in the Houston market, arranging and managing incoming delegations, and partnering with local community organization to promote their international services.

Houston began as a town on the bayou – a trading hub where the railroads met and where commerce could extend from the United States to the world. Since its humble founding, Houston has grown to become the nation's fourth-largest city by total population and is the energy capital of the world. Houston is a globally recognized leader in life science, manufacturing, logistics, and aerospace. As a testament to its standing as a diverse and dynamic city, one in four residents is born abroad and more than 145 languages are spoken in Houston. As the city’s global presence and influence grow, the Mayor’s Office of Trade and International Affairs (MOTIA) is an important link between Houstonians and the world, and serves as the City’s international liaison and trade development leader. Whether welcoming heads of state, building international diplomatic ties, attracting foreign direct investment, or assisting Houston businesses seeking markets abroad, MOTIA's core mission is the preservation, promotion, and continued growth of Houston's standing as a premier international city.