Mayor, Partnership Lead Houston Delegation To Mexico City To Boost Business, Cultural Ties

Targeted sectors include energy, health care, sports and tourism

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Nov 18, 2016, 11:42 ET

HOUSTON, Nov. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- 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 Luis Videgaray Caso.

"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.

For more information on the Greater Houston Partnership, visit www.houston.org

For more information on the City of Houston, visit www.houstontx.gov

Greater Houston Partnership works to make Houston one of the world's best places to live, work and build a business. It represents 11 counties: Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, San Jacinto, Walker and Waller. With more than 1,000 member organizations, the Partnership represents approximately one-fifth of the region's workforce. Visit the Partnership at www.houston.org.