Newsletter: MOTIA April '22

Dear Friends of the Mayor’s Office of Trade and International Affairs (MOTIA),

April was an eventful month, as Houston welcomed a reciprocal visit from the government of Nuevo León in response to our first post-COVID-19 trade mission to Mexico. We also welcomed the official opening of the new Nikkei-Financial Times bureau in Houston to concentrate coverage of the energy industry and the energy transition, recognizing Houston's position as the energy capital of the world.

While April FIFA World Cup 2026 host city announcement deadline passed without an announcement and Houston will have to wait a little longer to find out if Houston will host World Cup matches, our city just became the first government internationally to adopt the Children’s Bill of Rights in Sports. This initiative ensures full opportunity and participation for children to play sports, and access to the physical, mental, social, and emotional benefits that a well-delivered sports experience can provide. It also aligns with several of the administration’s goals, including a human rights strategy developed for the City’s bid to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup and Houston’s action plan to be a UNICEF Child Friendly City(CFCI).

As we look forward to May, Houston will celebrate diversity and inclusivity in the most diverse metropolitan area of the United States during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The Asian Chamber of Commerce Houston has put together a list of useful resources related to AAPIHM, where you can access information, data, statistics, and register for AAPIHM-related events. In May we will also celebrate Houston Africa Day and the important contributions of the many African diaspora and businesses in Houston. And, as part of World Trade Month, we partnered with several organizations to build a series of events to showcase Houston's international strength in connecting businesses to all corners of the world.

Sincerely,

In collaboration with the Abu Dhabi, Baku, Basrah, Istanbul, and Karachi Sister City Associations, together with the Islamic Society of Greater Houston and other partners, MOTIA welcomed the annual Houston Iftar Dinner back to our city! After two years of a virtual and dinner pickup format due to COVID-19, this year's event returned as a sit-down dinner and once again served as an opportunity to celebrate the holy month of Ramadan with the Houston community, religious leaders from all faith traditions, members of our Consular Corps, and elected officials. As one of the largest community Iftars in the U.S., the event is truly one of the prime examples of the diversity and vibrant community engagements we have in Houston. Thank you to our sister city associations, volunteers and all of the partners for your dedication and continued efforts into bring together our families, friends, and communities during the holy month of Ramadan.

"And as Mayor of one of the most diverse cities in the country, it brings me such joy and warmth to join you in upholding this time-honored tradition, to break the daily fast with one another, and celebrate all the incredible things that unite us in our common pursuit of peace, harmony, prosperity, and friendship to help us forge stronger bonds with one another."

- Mayor Sylvester Turner

The Nuevo León State Government visited Houston to further strengthen the relationship between the two regions, focused on increased collaboration in the areas of energy, logistics, life sciences, and technology ecosystems. The visit took place after March's successful economic development trip to Mexico led by Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, Houston First Corporation and the Greater Houston Partnership.

In addition to visits to City Hall and the Center for the United States and Mexico, Rice University Baker Institute, Nuevo León Governor Samuel Garcia, Secretary of Economy Maestro Iván Rivas Rodríguez, and General Director of the Corporation for the Development of the Border Zone of Nuevo León Dr. Marco Antonio González Valdez participated in a luncheon at the Greater Houston Partnership where they discussed infrastructure proposals and the state’s thriving economy. The Governor joined the GHP to sign a memorandum of understanding for future collaboration between Houston and Nuevo León.

GHP & Nuevo Leon MOU | Center for the United States and Mexico, Rice University Baker Institute

For the seventh year, AmCham Argentina organized its Non-Conventional Energy Program and visit to Houston, an annual initiative that seeks to develop political and business sector consensus on the development of shale in Argentina. Discussions with Chief Development Officer Andy Icken and MOTIA Director Chris Olson focused on the fundamentals of energy development, the critical environmental issues involved, and the central importance of stakeholder engagement which must include the community, government, and the private sector.

This program was organized and developed by AmCham Argentina in alliance with the Argentine Institute of Petroleum and Gas ( IAPG). Delegates included public sector officials, senior political and elected officials, and business representatives. The mission was instrumental in capitalizing on the experiences and lessons from a city that has already weathered the challenges associated with non-conventional and alternative energy development, and supported a transparent dialogue between Argentinian representatives and key decision makers in the United States public and public sector.

As you begin start your summer plans, our partners at the State Department want to remind everyone to check the validity of your passport well in advance of any planned travel. Passport applicants may now apply for routine service and should expect to receive their passport in 10-12 weeks. Visit travel.state.gov for tools to find a passport acceptance facility or make an appointment at an agency for urgent/immediate travel.

The State Department provides travel updates and information via Facebook and Twitter. Follow them at: @TravelGov facebook.com/TravelGov or contact the National Passport Information Center 1-877-487-2778 TDD/TTY: 1-888-874-7793. *Please note that MOTIA does not provide any passport services.

Join us on Thursday, May 19 to learn how to increase trade and investment between vibrant Western Australia and incredible Houston. Our two regions have mutual strengths across industries as diverse as energy, life sciences, aerospace, and digital technology, amongst others. With trade between Australia and Houston valued at around USD$1.4 billion annually (as of 2020), now is the opportune moment for companies to learn more about how they can take advantage of this strong relationship.
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