Mayor's Office of Trade and International Affairs

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.

08/31/2026

Last week, the City of Houston was honored to celebrate BRATECC’s 25th anniversary at Houston City Hall!
The evening celebrated BRATECC’s accomplishments, growth, and vision for the future. Chief of Trade & International Affairs Gigi Lee presented a proclamation on behalf of Mayor John Whitmire to BRATECC President Carla Lacerda.
With Brazil consistently among Houston’s top trade partners, the celebration was especially meaningful.
Congratulations to BRATECC on 25 remarkable years!

08/30/2026

08/26/2026

The Mayor’s Office of Trade and International Affairs (MOTIA) was pleased to welcome President J.J. Futa and members of the Texas Congo Chamber of Commerce Board to Houston City Hall.

We had a productive conversation about the Chamber’s vision and its efforts to bring together business leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, and institutions in Texas and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We also discussed opportunities to strengthen trade, investment, and economic cooperation.

We look forward to the Chamber’s continued growth.

08/25/2026

It was a pleasure to join Consul General D.C. Manjunath and a large gathering of Houston’s Indian-American community for the India Culture Center’s celebration of India’s 80th Independence Day.

The event featured vibrant cultural performances showcasing India’s rich heritage, traditions, and diversity. It was wonderful to see people of all ages come together to celebrate their culture and share it with the greater Houston community.

Chief of International Affairs Gigi Lee delivered a proclamation on behalf of Mayor John Whitmire declaring August 23, 2026, as “India Culture Center Day” in Houston.

Congratulations to the India Culture Center on 53 years of service.

08/24/2026

Last week, Sister Cities of Houston–Huelva, Spain, hosted Bridges of Culture, celebrating the art, cultures, and traditions that make Houston’s global community so special.
MOTIA International Affairs Liaison Isabella Benavides was delighted to represent MOTIA in support of the enduring Houston–Huelva sister city relationship.
A special thank you to the leadership of SCH–Huelva, Spain; Consul General of Ecuador Ambassador Luis Espinosa Salas; Consul General of Colombia Andrés Diez Martínez; and Honorary Consul of Guinea Wea Lee for helping make it such a memorable evening!

08/20/2026

It was a pleasure to visit with Argentina’s newly appointed Consul General in Houston, Vanina Yanino.

Chief of International Affairs Gigi Lee, Senior Trade Officer Zeljka Momirovic, and the Consul General discussed opportunities to strengthen Houston-Argentina relations through increased trade and investment, as well as collaboration in key sectors including energy, agribusiness, beef exports, logistics, manufacturing, and innovation.

The meeting also highlighted Houston’s role as a global gateway for international commerce and the value of expanding economic ties that benefit businesses and communities in both Houston and Argentina.
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