Houston is a great global city with one of the youngest, fastest growing, and most diverse populations anywhere in the world. This unique convergence of people and cultures has created a sense of shared community, commitment and mutual respect that is important to international companies eager to do business in the U.S. In fact, Houston ranks among the top 20 Global Cities of the Future according to a recent report by fDi Intelligence. 

In recognition of World Trade Month, the 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. Learn more about upcoming events happening throughout May. 

From a business perspective, the Greater Houston region is an economic powerhouse. Over the years our economy has diversified to include leading positions across key global industries like energy, life sciences, manufacturing, logistics, and aerospace. 

Houston’s economy is also deeply tied to global trade and foreign investment. The region has trading relationships with more than 200 countries and is home to over 1,700 foreign-owned firms. 

The region’s significant infrastructure—including our ports and two international airports—along with our prime geographic location, large and diverse workforce and pro-business environment have long made us an attractive target for foreign investment. 

Since 2009, nearly 500 foreign-owned firms have announced nearly 700 projects in Houston. That represents an estimated investment of more than $36 billion in the Greater Houston region.  

Last year alone, the Partnership’s International Investment and Trade team assisted in several notable expansion projects including: 

• Borealis, an Austria-based chemicals company, established their North American headquarters in Houston.
• Majority, a Swedish digital financial services company, announced the location of its U.S. headquarters in Houston.
• Roboze, an Italian 3D printer manufacturer, announced Houston as the location for their U.S. headquarters supporting logistics, sales and service operations.
• Transbiaga, a Spanish company that supports the assembly of steel and concrete windfarms, announced the location of its U.S. headquarters in Houston.
• United Imaging, a global leader in advanced medical imaging and radiotherapy equipment, opened a 91,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art factory and expanded service complex in Houston to support its expansion across the Americas and beyond.

Despite travel restrictions, the Partnership continued to host key visits with our partners around the globe virtually. The organization welcomed 86 inbound delegations from 28 countries in 2020 to further grow the region’s international ties. 

The Partnership also leads trade and investment missions alongside civic and business leaders to key markets domestically and abroad. Over the last few years, the organization has led notable trips to Mexico, China, India, Japan, and Israel.

To support the region’s large and growing international business community, Houston is home to 15 foreign governments trade and commercial offices, 41 active foreign chambers of commerce, and the third largest concentration of consular corps in the nation. 

To learn more about international business in Houston, click here.