Mayor's Office of Trade and International Affairs

09/19/2026

Houston was proud to welcome the National Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship (National ACE) for its 2026 Annual Conference!

Chief of International Affairs Gigi Lee represented Mayor John Whitmire and highlighted why Houston is a great place to start, grow, and relocate a business. Our city offers a diverse and talented workforce, an affordable cost of living, a business-friendly environment, and connections to markets around the world.

AAPI-owned businesses are an essential part of Houston’s success—creating jobs, driving innovation, strengthening our communities, and connecting Houston to the world.

Congratulations to National ACE, and thank you for choosing Houston!

09/19/2026

We welcomed Mayor Khymer Olaso of Zamboanga City along with Philippines Consul General Gunther Sales to Houston City Hall.

We discussed opportunities for cooperation in trade, maritime industries, and cultural exchange. The conversation also highlighted Houston’s vibrant Filipino-American community and its many contributions to our city, especially in healthcare, education, and business.

The City of Houston and MOTIA looks forward to continuing to strengthen the connections between Houston and the Philippines. 🇺🇸🇵🇭

09/18/2026

We welcomed Deputy Chief of Mission Lim Weiyang of the Embassy of Singapore to Houston City Hall for a productive conversation about strengthening ties between Houston and Singapore.

Building on Ambassador Lui Tuck Yew’s visit earlier this year, we discussed opportunities for greater cooperation in energy, trade, technology, transportation and investment.

As Singapore and the United States celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations, we look forward to continuing this important friendship and creating new opportunities together.

09/18/2026

The City of Houston was honored to celebrate alongside Consul General Israel García López and members of Houston’s Salvadoran community, who gathered at City Hall to commemorate El Salvador’s 205th anniversary of independence.
This week, Chief of International Affairs Gigi Lee presented a proclamation on behalf of Mayor John Whitmire to the Consulate General of El Salvador commemorating this momentous occasion.
Thank you, Consul General García López, for your continued partnership and for strengthening the connection between El Salvador and Houston. We proudly recognize the Salvadoran community whose culture, traditions, and contributions enrich our city. ¡Viva El Salvador! 🇸🇻

09/16/2026

¡Viva México! 🇲🇽 The City of Houston was proud to celebrate Mexico’s Independence Day alongside Consul General María Elena Orantes López, Houston’s vibrant Mexican community, and leaders from across our city.
Council Member Mario Castillo presented a proclamation on behalf of Mayor John Whitmire, honoring this special occasion and celebrating the deep cultural, economic, and community ties that connect Houston and Mexico.
Thank you to Consul General Orantes for her leadership and continued partnership in strengthening the enduring bonds between Mexico and Houston’s proud Mexican community.

09/16/2026

We were pleased to meet with newly appointed Consul General John Forde of Ireland. Before assuming his new role, he served as Ireland’s Deputy Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates.

Chief of International Affairs Gigi Lee welcomed him to Houston City Hall, where they discussed his priorities during his tenure and opportunities to deepen Houston’s relationship with Ireland. Houston and Ireland share strong connections through energy, innovation, life sciences, technology, international trade, and Houston’s vibrant Irish-American community.

We wish Consul General Forde great success and look forward to strengthening ties between Houston and Ireland. 🇮🇪🇺🇸

09/16/2026

09/16/2026

We were pleased to welcome Málaga Vice Mayor Jacobo Florido and a delegation from Málaga, Spain.

Thanks to Consul General of Spain Jesús Sanz, the delegation connected with local leaders and cultural organizations in Houston to explore new opportunities for cultural and international collaboration.

The program celebrated Málaga’s rich culture, from its history as the birthplace of Pablo Picasso to its status as a city of museums. Málaga also has an important historical connection to Bernardo de Gálvez and his support for George Washington and the American cause during the American Revolution.

During their time in Texas, the delegation unveiled the new “Málaga Loves Galveston” mural at Menard Park. Created by Málaga artist Lalone, the mural honors Bernardo de Gálvez and brings this shared history to life through art.

09/15/2026

The City of Houston Mayor’s Office of Trade and International Affairs’ Sr. Trade Officer Zeljka Momirovic met with Québec Government Office in Houston Delegate Steven Jast to discuss the robust economic, educational, and cultural ties uniting Texas and Québec. Driven by an impressive $15 billion in annual bilateral trade, this partnership continues to spark growth and innovation across both regions.

Established in 2015, the Québec Government Office in Houston drives trade, exports, and foreign direct investment across Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. Collaboration remains focused on high-growth sectors, including energy, advanced manufacturing, aerospace, artificial intelligence, and robotics.

Through ongoing dialogue, Houston and Québec are committed to expanding market opportunities, academic exchanges, and technological innovation.

09/13/2026

The Consulate General of Guatemala in Houston hosted a special celebration marking the 205th anniversary of Guatemala’s independence.

Houston is proud of its vibrant Guatemalan community and grateful for its many contributions to our city.

Gigi Lee, Chief of International Affairs, represented Mayor John Whitmire and presented Consul General Nivia Rosemary Arauz with a proclamation recognizing September 15, 2026, as Guatemalan Independence Day in the City of Houston.

Thank you to Consul General Arauz for the warm welcome and wonderful celebration.