As we move ahead into 2022, this month's newsletter highlights some of the resources MOTIA offers and how we serve Houston locally and internationally.
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 and is the energy capital of the world; a city internationally recognized as a leader in life science, manufacturing, logistics, aerospace and innovation, and leading global efforts to build more resilient and sustainable cities. As a testament to Houston's standing as a diverse and dynamic city, one in four residents is born abroad and more than 145 languages are spoken in Houston. The Mayor’s Office of Trade and International Affairs (MOTIA) serves as the City’s international liaison and convener, forming an important link between Houstonians and the world. Whether welcoming heads of state, establishing diplomatic ties, attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), or assisting Houston businesses seeking markets abroad, our office works to realize Mayor Sylvester Turner’s vision of an ever more global
Houston. MOTIA manages the City of Houston’s engagement with foreign governments, international organizations, global businesses, chambers of commerce, community and international city networks. Learn more As we move ahead into 2022, in this month's newsletter we highlight some of the various resources MOTIA offers and how we serve Houston locally and internationally.
The Team
Trade and Economic Development Resources
The global trade division serves as the City's international business development office. We help identify international partners for growth opportunities, coordinate trade missions abroad, and facilitate inbound trade missions from foreign countries to Houston. We are committed to helping create
jobs and economic opportunity for Houston residents by attracting foreign direct investment, building the startup and innovation ecosystem, accelerating the energy transition, and helping Houston area companies export and find new investment opportunities abroad. We serve as a convener, resource and entry point for increased trade and development for foreign governments, international businesses, and Houston exporters. Learn more about Houston's past trade missions and other trade and economic development resources.
International Affairs & Global Partnerships
Houston is a leading global city, with diplomatic reach to all corners of the world and engagement with a wide range of international organizations. The International Affairs division leads Houston's engagement with foreign governments and
consulates, manages Houston's Sister Cities Association and the World Energy Cities Partnership, supports Houston's engagement in international city networks, and helps coordinate collaboration with international organizations including Houston's work with the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, Urban20, C40, RCN, UCLG, and Sister Cities International. Learn more about Houston's Consular Corps, Sister Cities, WECP or questions on protocol, customs, or cross-cultural communication.
International Organizations, Business & Consular Corps Directory
MOTIA provides this directory for the international business community to help enable collaboration among all of Houston's international partners. With over 90different nations represented, Houston is home to the third-largest consular corps in the United States. View MOTIA's International Organizations, Business and Consular Corps Directory.
Flag Rentals
MOTIA serves as the City’s international liaison and offers the opportunity to rent flags for events and special occasions. MOTIA has flags for all nations represented in the Houston consular corps and most countries represented in the Summer Olympic Games. When planning an international
event, we can assist you rent international flags and on protocol. Learn more about flag rentals.
Internship Opportunities
MOTIA has a deep-rooted tradition of educating and training undergraduate university students in all facets of trade and international affairs. Interns learn firsthand what makes Houston a global leader in international industry, culture, and diplomacy by participating and contributing in MOTIA’s international programs and initiatives. View more information on our internship opportunities and application process.
Trade and International Affairs Calendar
MOTIA's core mission is the preservation, promotion, and continued growth of Houston's standing as a global city. As Houston’s presence and influence grows, so do
Houston’s international events. The MOTIA calendar convenes all of Houston's international affairs and trade related events: explore the MOTIA calendar.
Why Houston?
Mayor's Office of Trade and International Affairs (MOTIA) Houston City Hall 901 Bagby St, 4th Floor Houston, Texas 77002
